The Los Angeles Lakers, who won the first-ever in-season tournament, are coming off a poor 2023–24 campaign. They were 7th in the Western Conference at the end of the regular season with a 47-35 record. After making a number of offseason acquisitions, the Lakers raised expectations, but they suffered with uncertainty and inconsistent play all season long.

Ultimately, they lost five games to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs, which resulted in the dismissal of head coach Darvin Ham. With JJ Redick taking over as head coach, the Lakers are expecting to turn things around and go farther in the playoffs. Only two new players have joined the team, therefore the roster is still mostly the same.

During the regular season, D’Angelo Russell shot an amazing 41.5% from three-point range and averaged 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. His field goal percentage was 45.6%. Russell even broke the franchise record for the Lakers by making the most three-pointers in a single season—187 of them.

Russell performed well during the regular season, but he struggled in the postseason, especially when playing the Nuggets. Russell’s deal is expiring this year, so he needs to play well or else the Lakers might try to trade him. If Russell doesn’t perform well, they might try to move him.

Due to early injuries, Gabe Vincent had a difficult season in his debut with the Lakers, scoring just 3.1 points and

In the regular season, D’Angelo Russell averaged 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game while shooting an incredible 41.5% from three-point range. He had a 45.6% field goal percentage. Even more, Russell made 187 three-pointers in a single season, shattering the Lakers’ franchise record.

Although Russell had a strong regular season, he had trouble in the postseason, particularly against the Nuggets. Russell has to play well because the Lakers may try to move him before his contract expires this year. They may try to trade Russell if he doesn’t perform properly.
Gabe Vincent struggled in his Lakers first season because of early injuries, finishing with just 3.1 points and