When looking ahead at the 2024-25 Western Conference, the depth is arguably as good as it’s ever been. Clawing out of the pack to become a top-eight seed will be quite the challenge. Despite still possessing LeBron James and Anthony Davis, is it a lock that the Lakers makes the playoffs? In a word, no.
Let’s look at the rest of the conference for a second. The projected bottom feeders include Portland and Utah. Even then, the Jazz still have Lauri Markkanen plus a plethora of young talents. San Antonio may be on the outside looking in. However, many believe Victor Wembanyama is good enough to lead this young team to a play-in spot. The same can be said for Houston and it’s an inexperienced yet deep team.
The Clippers may have lost Paul George, though Kawhi Leonard and James Harden return. Phoenix, Sacramento, New Orleans, a now healthy Memphis team, Golden State, Dallas, and Minnesota all should squarely be in playoff contention. Of course, you’ve also got the two best teams within the West in Denver and Oklahoma City.
When analyzing the landscape of the conference, the Lakers could be in some serious trouble.
Despite having a cache of first-round picks and some movable assets, the roster as a whole essentially stayed the same. The team added backup center Christian Koloko in free agency. It also drafted Dalton Knecht in the first round. Knecht appears to have been a steal. Still, is he good enough to get the Lakers over the hump as a playoff contender?
We also aren’t even factoring in several other narratives. Can LeBron stay healthy as he approaches age 40? Will he still be able to carry this team with a thin roster devoid of depth? Can David stay on the floor and avoid his annual injury? Will the addition of Bronny James on this roster prove to be a major distraction? Lastly, how will JJ Redick — a guy with no prior coaching experience — fare as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers?
As is the case with most Lakers seasons, there should be no shortage of drama.
