5 Los Angeles Lakers who will be better in 2024-25 than they were in 2023-24
The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the 2024-25 NBA season with the clear belief that a change at head coach is exactly what was needed to help the team realize its potential. The roster is almost identical to what was rolled out in 2023-24, with the only major changes arriving via the NBA Draft.
If the Lakers are hoping for better results under different leadership, then certain players will need to justify the belief that replacing Darvin Ham with JJ Redick will unlock the team's potential.
Anthony Davis and LeBron James are both coming off of All-NBA seasons, as well as a run at the Olympics that resulted in Team USA capturing the gold medal. Despite their elite level of play, Los Angeles won 47 games and was eliminated from the playoffs in the first round in 2023-24.
It's a rather stunning fact to consider, as teams with two superstars simultaneously playing at an All-NBA level tend to at least win a playoff series before facing elimination.
With Redick leading the charge, the supporting cast should take a step forward in 2024-25. Many of the Lakers' wounds were self-inflicted a season ago, and injuries played an undeniable role in shaping the options Ham had at his disposal.
The question is: Who can the Lakers expect to take a step forward as Davis and James look to continue their winning ways this coming NBA season?
1. Max Christie
The Los Angeles Lakers made it abundantly clear this offseason that they disagree with the way Max Christie was utilized during the 2023-24 season. Despite the fact that he averaged just 14.1 minutes per game, the Lakers re-signed Christie to a four-year, $32 million deal.
Unless Los Angeles was way off the mark with Christie, the new contract should signal an increase in playing time and a subsequent improvement to his quality of play.
Christie has played well when given the chance, providing energy on defense and a willingness and ability to shoot the three-ball. Through two NBA seasons, the 21-year-old is a career 37.8 percent shooter from beyond the arc on a team that ranked No. 28 in three-point field goal attempts.
Simply empowering Christie to shoot more often, let alone see the court with any type of consistency, should do wonders for his production and value.
This past season, Christie's averages translated to 10.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 1.6 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes. Those aren't entirely unreasonable expectations for Christie in his first season with a consistent place in the rotation.
A potential 3-and-D wing who's willing to work without the ball to get himself open and make the game easier for his teammates, Christie can thrive if the coaching staff proceeds with patience.