The start to the 2023-2024 NBA season has yielded multiple ups and downs for the Los Angeles Lakers. Some of their main contributors have struggled with their shots, while others have struggled to stay healthy.
There have been moments that have produced doubt about what the team can do this season among the fanbase. Bundles of uncertainty have come to fruition in the opening leg of the season's title race.
Beyond the negativity, there have also been some subtle reasons for optimism. Stay patient Laker fans, because here are a few underlying points of positivity to bare in mind.
3 reasons for Lakers fans to remain optimistic:
1. LeBron and AD's health
Following the team's big 107-97 win over the rising Rockets on December 2nd, LeBron James and Anthony Davis have each missed just 1 measly game apiece through the season's first 21 games. In the case of James, that is remarkable given his current age. In the case of Davis, it is astounding given his elaborate track record of DNPs.
It should go without saying that the Lakers cannot be classified as contenders if their superstars cannot stay on the floor. So far, so good. Our fingers are crossed for their continued clean bill of health because the entire team is beginning to build on their chemistry with increased reps together.
2. Overall improving team health
The improving sense of chemistry that is beginning to unveil itself will only continue to become more apparent as the team's wounded soldiers continue to work their way back from setbacks. This year's first-round pick Jalen Hood-Schifino has been available the past few games after missing the team's first 17.
Jarred Vanderbilt saw his first action of the season in the win over Houston. Guys like Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, and Cam Reddish have all missed some time due to minor injuries, but nothing that has kept them out for a prolonged period of time.
At this time, it looks like the only current injury holding everyone back from getting a true glimpse at this team as a whole is the ongoing battle for Gabe Vincent. There is no sure timeline for when the team will get its backup point guard back from his knee ailment, but Darvin Ham offered words of encouragement regarding his rehabilitation progress.
Once Vincent inevitably returns, the team that was assembled this summer will finally be whole. The hope is that his integration back into the rotation will produce positive returns.
3. This is not last season
At this point in the season last year, this was a struggling organization dealing with turmoil. Fans were calling for Darvin Ham's job, begging for Russell Westbrook's departure, and having difficulty coping with the team's lack of success. In spite of all of the early toxicity, the Lakers still wound up earning a spot in the Western Conference Finals at the end of the season.
If the 2022-2023 Lakers team that began the year on such a low note could overcome that, everyone should be very excited for what the 2023-2024 team can accomplish by year's end.