Los Angeles Lakers Last Season Performance
Los Angeles Lakers finished the regular season with 33 wins and 49 losses at a .402 winning percentage; they made the 11th place in the Western Conference standings; ultimately, the Lakers failed to qualify for a play-in berth.
The Lakers dealt with different challenging situations that led to a disappointing 2021-22 season. The roster lacked health, so most of the team missed games due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols, which preceded a franchise-high with 41 starting lineups in the season.
Moreover, the Lakers’ elemental stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis missed a significant number of 68 games combined. In addition, Trevor Ariza and Talen Horton-Tucker had early-season surgeries, and Kendrick Nunn missed the whole season. With health issues, consistency problems arose.
In addition, the Lakers struggled with defense throughout the season. Despite the lineup rotation to select the best players with defensive skills, it wasn’t enough to improve on this end. Los Angeles finished 21st in defensive efficiency after Vogel led them to the No. 1 defense in 2021-2021. On the offensive side, their offensive rating deteriorated to finish 22nd.
On the bright side, LeBron James had the second-highest scoring of his 19-year career with the NBA. James averaged 30.3 points per game at an efficient shooting percentage of 52.4 from the field. Also, LeBron set a new career-high in 3-pointers.
Anthony Devis had some impressive debuts by averaging 23.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in his only 40 games played.
The youngsters put on a solid display of talent, energy, and athleticism throughout the season. Guard Austin Reaves averaged 7.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists over 61 games. He produced his 2021-22 career highlight by scoring 15 points versus the Dallas Maverick; he scored a three-pointer in the last seconds to seal the Lakers’ win that night.
Malik Monk produced an efficient offensive season at all three levels by reaching career highs in points (13.8), rebounds (3.4), and assists (2.9). Monk’s 2021-22 highlight was his performance versus the Denver Nuggets; the guard reached a career-high of 41 points leading the Lakers to the victory. He contributed with reliability while enjoying his breakout season with the NBA.
In addition, Talen Horton-Tucker, Stanley Johnson, and Wenyen Gabriel made meaningful contributions to the team.
Los Angeles Lakers Offseason Changes
The Lakers came to make it to the 2020-21 NBA Finals and finished first in the Western Conference to a disappointing 2021-22 season that included an eight-game losing streak, only 31 wins of their first 72 games, and failing to reach the 10th seed to make the playoffs.
The offseason moves were critical to bouncing back to the old ways. How were the Lakers’ off-season moves? Let’s break them down.
In the NBA draft, the Lakers selected No. 35th overall pick Max Christie from Michigan State. The guard started 35 games in his last college season; he averaged 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. In addition, he earned the postseason honor and made it to the 2021-22 Big Ten All-Freshman Team. Los Angeles expects Christie to become a 3-and-D solid player.
After the draft, the Lakers added rookies Scotty Pippen, Jr. and Cole Swider, who inked two-way contracts.
In free agency, the Lakers’ main goal was to include young players to the roster; they added players with the potential to grow in the team. The Los Angeles Lakers added Damian Jones, Patrick Beverley, Thomas Bryant, Troy Brown Jr., Dennis Schroder, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and Lonnie Walker.
Damian Jones had some experience playing for the Los Angeles Lakers making eight appearances in the 2020-2021 season. The Lakers expect Jones to fill the backup bench center position.
In addition, the Lakers traded veteran guard Patrick Beverly in exchange for Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson in a trade with the Utah Jazz. As a critical contributor to the Timberwolves, Beverly started 54 games by averaging 9.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. The point guard will fit the backcourt.
Thomas Bryant had struggled the past seasons due to an ACL injury; last season, he made 27 appearances and averaged 7.4 points per game. If he remains healthy, the center will add versatility to the frontcourt.
On the defensive end, the Lakers added former Chicago Bulls guard Troy Brown Jr. and former Celtics guard Dennis Schroder, a most likely rotation item, Juan Toscano-Anderson. On the offensive side, the Lakers signed point guard Loonie Walker who will bring scoring potential to the Lakers’ second unit.
Los Angeles Lakers Key Additions
The Los Angeles Lakers emphasized adding young players to their roster after only relying on veteran players; the franchise realized it was about time to build a younger team.
The Lakers inked five players under 30 years: 23-year-old Lonnie Walker IV, 29 Juan Toscano-Anderson, 27 Thomas Bryant, 22 Troy Brown Jr., 27 Damian Jones, and 19-year-old Max Christie.
Los Angeles Lakers Key Subtractions
NBA experts have labeled the Lakers’ offseason moves as the worst in the league. The needled didn’t move on this end as the Lakers didn’t make significant subtractions that could impact the team.
Los Angeles Lakers Team Injuries
Los Angeles Lakers Coach Analysis
Los Angeles Lakers Darvin Ham back in June. Ham played for the Association for eight years; he suited up for Denver, Atlanta, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Washington; Ham was part of the front bench that led the Detroit Pistons to win the 2004 NBA Championship.
Ham began his coaching career as an assistant coach in the NBA Developmental League and laddered up as general manager and head coach for the New Mexico Thunderbirds. Later, he joined the NBA as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks (2018), Los Angeles Lakers (2011), and the Milwaukee Bucks (2021). He took part in the coaching that led the Bucks to reach the 2021 NBA Title.
Coach Darvin Ham will bring to the Lakers a solid offensive plan (4-out-1-in system), a calm but fearless presence, a hardworking approach, and no tolerance for drama.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Prediction for the 2022-23 Season
The sportsbook has the Los Angeles Lakers at +3000 to win the 2022-23 NBA Championship, the seventh favorite, and at +1600 to win the Western Conference, the sixth favorite.
The best-case scenario for the Lakers includes their “Big Three” fully available, healthy, and strong. If James, Davis, and Westbrook play on the floor together. In addition, they can partner up with Pat Bev, Reaves, and JTA to build a solid case on the defensive end.
In addition, the Lakers now count on younger players and a new head coach; if health remains on their side, they will have a decent chance to have an improved regular season and make the playoffs.
Now, the Western Conference is robust, and the Lakers have a weaker team than most teams in the West. Will the Lakers be able to bounce back? They have a challenging season ahead.
Los Angeles Lakers Team Leaders
Los Angeles Lakers Team Ranked Stats
Los Angeles Lakers Team Summary
Los Angeles Lakers Team Schedule/Results
Los Angeles Lakers Team Standings
Los Angeles Lakers Team Roster
Los Angeles Lakers FAQs
Have the Los Angeles Lakers ever won a championship?
The Los Angeles Lakers have won 15 NBA championships.
What years did the Los Angeles Lakers make the playoffs?
The Los Angeles Lakers have made 26 NBA Finals appearances.
What’s Los Angeles Lakers playoff record?
The Los Angeles Lakers have a 458-306 record in the playoffs franchise history.
Do the Los Angeles Lakers have a real chance to win the 2022-23 NBA Championship?
The Los Angeles Lakers will be looking to bounce back from one of the worst seasons in franchise history. They don’t solely rely on James’ performance but that the team remains healthy and available. The Lakers might be building for the future, but the 2023 NBA Championship is a long shot.
