State of the Lakers: 10 most important storylines to monitor this season

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State of the Lakers: 10 most important storylines to monitor this season
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The Lakers are optimistic about their title chances, but they will need these 10 things to go right if they are to realize their potential.

“We were very intentional about the versatility this roster has, the depth that the roster has,” Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said last week. “I think there’s upgrades of spacing and shooting, kind of top to bottom.”Aside from the health of the Lakers’ principal players, Davis’ jumper is the biggest key to unlocking Los Angeles’ ceiling. He simply hasn’t shot the same from the perimeter since the 2019-20 season.

The buzz in the Lakers’ training facility, started by the low-key Reaves of all people, is that Davis’ shot is back. Davis downplayed the noise while admitting it only matters if it translates to the games.“Just getting back to being a threat at all three levels,” Davis said. “Not sure where it’s at until we get into practices and games. Anybody can shoot in workouts and make shots when there’s no pressure on them.

But there’s no guarantee James or Davis can stay healthy for a full season. Frankly, it hasn’t happened in years. Perhaps the Lakers are due for some injury fortune. “I feel really comfortable,” Reaves said of playing with the ball in his hands more this season. “Point guard is the position I’ve played my whole life until college and then obviously the last couple of years. I feel like that’s something that never leaves you. Me and Darv have had conversations about that as well, just having a little bit more opportunity to initiate. It doesn’t really necessarily mean making a play every possession. Just kind of getting us into what we need to get into.

Russell is a talented scorer and playmaker who provides a lot of value in the regular season as a tertiary option who can soak up more usage if James or Davis misses time. There’s a chance the revived partnership is enough of a success for the Lakers to retain him beyond the trade deadline. But the Lakers’ uncertainty with Russell stems from his recent postseason struggles, and they may not be willing to risk another playoff disappointment.

On paper, this Lakers roster projects to have arguably the most supplemental shooting in the James-Davis era. Wood and Prince are near-40 percent shooters. Vincent is a high-volume gunner who hits enough to cause defenses to respect him. Russell and Reaves return. Christie’s role should grow. Davis and James can’t shoot much worse than last season.. They have other strengths that those teams don’t, but they need enough firepower to try to keep defenses honest when packing the paint.

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