While it has been a disappointing season for the Los Angeles Lakers to this point, there is still reason for optimism. The team has dealt with a myriad of injury problems all throughout the season, and the full potential of this roster is still yet to be realized.
In a tightly-contested Western Conference, the Lakers will have the chance to separate themselves from their rivals as the regular season begins to wind down. With LA currently sitting just three games above .500, each game will be paramount from here on out.
To this point in the season, we have seen varying performances across the Lakers' roster, from disappointing to outstanding. Here is a quick, one-sentence progress report for each Laker thus far.
Waiting to return from injury
Gabe Vincent
Gabe Vincent has played one game for the Lakers since October, and more time will be needed before an accurate assessment can be made on his injury-limited season.
The end-of-the-bench guys
Jaxson Hayes
Playing the fewest minutes per game of his career, Hayes has not brought enough proficiency at any one skill to justify more time on the court at this point.
Jalen Hood-Schifino
The 2023 first-round pick needs more time and opportunity, but the potential for a special slasher and playmaker is still there.
Maxwell Lewis
Still in the early stages of his development, Lewis has the tools to become a more than serviceable rotation wing one day.
Max Christie
His three-point shooting may have taken a step back from last season, but Max Christie has shown he has the potential of being a very solid role player given a few more years of development.
The reliable bench unit
Christian Wood
Once considered the steal of the 2023 offseason, Wood's inconsistency shooting the ball has been a direct counter to his strong defense, and has led to mixed returns overall.
Jarred Vanderbilt
After starting for the post-deadline Lakers last season, Vanderbilt has been playing off the bench this season and his injury troubles have been limiting his high-level defensive impact.
Cam Reddish
He has struggled mightily on offense, but his solid defensive contributions have allowed Cam Reddish to be one of the better role players the Lakers have off the bench.
Taurean Prince
Brought in for his shooting and defense, Prince's streakiness from beyond the arc have limited how effective he is for the Lakers.
Spencer Dinwiddie
In his five games with the franchise, Dinwiddie has struggled shooting the ball and will need to up his efficiency to be a reliable backup.
The Lakers starters
D'Angelo Russell
Russell's offensive contributions have helped keep the Lakers above water for much of the year, but his shortcomings defensively are a big reason he was rumored to be on the trade block just a few weeks ago.
Austin Reaves
After high expectations were placed on him ahead of the season, Reaves has once again stepped up and delivered as one of the Lakers' top scoring options.
Rui Hachimura
When he has been healthy, Rui Hachimura has been an extremely efficient scorer and high-level defender for the Lakers, securing his status as one of LA's most important players.
LeBron James
Still a productive offensive player in year 21, LeBron's continued effective shooting from outside and passing skills have allowed him to remain one of the Lakers' highest-impact players in his advanced age.
Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis' value has been hard to overstate as of late, considering his ability to stay healthy and play the 12th-most minutes in the NBA this season while dominating on both ends has made him the Lakers' unquestioned MVP.