The Los Angeles Lakers failed to hit their key offseason targets. Despite efforts to acquire stars like Klay Thompson, Lauri Markkanen, and even Walker Kessler, the Lakers came up short. This left the team relying on its existing roster and a crop of unproven young talent to make a playoff push.
With LeBron James nearing 40 and Anthony Davis’s health always in question, the pressure is mounting. It’s clear that the Lakers will need contributions from their younger players to complement their aging stars in their pursuit of another championship.
Lakers’ Player Development as a Key Focus
General Manager Rob Pelinka has made it clear that developing young talent is now a priority. After firing head coach Darvin Ham following a disappointing season, Pelinka hired JJ Redick to lead the team forward. Redick, in his first-ever head coaching role, will need to balance veteran leadership with the development of promising young players.
As Pelinka noted at Redick’s introductory press conference, “We’ve done it before, and we want to do it better and more consistently,” referring to the Lakers’ success in developing players like Austin Reaves. With a focus on player development, the Lakers have brought in new staff, including Ty Abbott as their lead player development coach, and Zach Guthrie, who will oversee the South Bay Lakers in the G League.
This shift in focus suggests the Lakers are preparing for a future beyond James and Davis while also hoping these young players can contribute immediately.
The Role of Dalton Knecht and Max Christie
The Lakers added to their young core in the 2024 NBA Draft, selecting Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. While Bronny is not expected to make an immediate impact on the NBA team, Knecht is poised to play a significant role. Falling to No. 17 in the draft, Knecht offers the team floor spacing and scoring — critical needs for Redick’s system. His shooting ability could provide relief for both James and Davis, who can’t carry the entire offensive load.
Max Christie, who recently signed a four-year, $32 million contract, also comes with high expectations. Christie has shown promise as a 40 percent catch-and-shoot player, a capable rebounder, and a potential 3-and-D wing. The Lakers are banking on his growth to support the team in crucial moments.
Young Depth Could Be Crucial
Beyond Knecht and Christie, other young players could step up as the season progresses. Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 6-foot-5 point guard, could be called upon if the Lakers’ veteran guards falter. Maxwell Lewis offers another 3-and-D option, though he is still in the early stages of development. Colin Castleton, a 6-foot-10 center, has shown glimpses of his potential during the 2024 Summer League, and could add valuable depth to the frontcourt.
While these players may not be regulars from the start, they provide the Lakers with a solid foundation of young talent to develop. Their contributions could be essential in filling gaps when needed, particularly if injuries strike or if the veterans need rest.
Ultimately, the Lakers will still lean heavily on LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, the team’s young talent will play a pivotal role in determining how far they go, especially if the goal is another deep playoff run. If these young players step up, the Lakers might just find themselves back in the NBA Finals.