This will be a very interesting season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
There are many distractions that begin with LeBron James, and whether this will be his last year in purple and gold.
Also, Austin Reeves’ contract status continues to loom large as it could be his final season with the team.
On a positive note, this is Luka Donsic’s first full season with the Lakers after a great shape during the offseason, putting on an impressive show in the Eurobasket against Slovenia.
Doncic won’t go anywhere after signing a 3-year maximum contract extension in August.
Luka Donsic and the Lakers are not expected to win the championship this season. There have been many question marks about this current Lakers roster.
Specifically, it is about the team’s identity regarding Doncic. The Lakers have done what they can so far to put the right piece around Donsic, but it seems there is still more to do.
Brian Windhorst attended the NBA today and expressed his pessimism about the Lakers’ vision.
“The outlook for the Lakers is a bit tough, because it’s kind of a season.
“From this year onwards, eight players have been able to become free agents, which has never been before.
“He hasn’t been at the end of such a contract for his entire 23-year career,” he added.
“If they stay healthy, they should be there again this year, but what they will build around Luka over the next three years, I’m sure they’re the purpose of his contract extension.
“We still don’t know which team they are trying to create.
Focusing on upcoming seasons, the Lakers should still be competitive in the West.
Especially if Doncic has a season of MVP type, and its new additions add Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart Produce.
Windhorst is concerned about the Lakers’ outlook, but former Lakers star Pau Gasol is looking forward to the team’s current situation.
“What we know is they have the team they have this year, and they have to focus on this year and make the best.
“They have the opportunity. They have great players. They added a big Deandre Eton who probably wants to prove themselves.
“So they focused on that and then made the organization and management worried for the next few years.”