The Lakers renewed their contract for 186 million in 3 years! Future 5The details of the year are exposed Eight manipulative sword finger champions this summer.
Davis signed a record contract with the Lakers, and the Lakers team has changed a lot. Can they return to the championship next season?
The off-season of NBA has begun, and all teams are busy strengthening their lineups and striving for better performance next season. Among these teams, the most interesting one is the defending champion Lakers. The Lakers suffered from injuries this season, and were finally swept out by the Nuggets in the Western Conference finals. In order to make up for the loss, the Lakers made a big move during the offseason, not only renewing the contract with Anthony Davis, the core of the team, but also signing a number of powerful players to create a brand-new lineup. Can these operations make the Lakers return to the championship next season? Let’s take a look.
Davis signed a record contract with the Lakers.
According to Woj, agent Ricky Paul revealed that Anthony Davis and the Lakers reached a three-year contract with a maximum salary of $186 million. The average salary of this contract reached $62 million, which is the highest average salary in the NBA. This means that Davis will continue his contract with the Lakers until 2028, with a total price of more than $270 million.
Davis is one of the key figures for the Lakers to win the 2022 championship, and he has outstanding performance in both the regular season and the playoffs. In the 2022-23 season, Davis played 56 times in the regular season, averaging 25.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.0 blocks. He became the third player in the history of the Lakers to average 25 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks in a single season since the 1973-74 season. Only O ‘Neal and Jabbar had achieved this achievement before. In the playoffs, Davis played in 16 games, averaging 22.6 points, 14.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 3.1 blocks, helping the Lakers reach the Western Conference finals.
The news that Davis renewed his contract with the Lakers in advance is undoubtedly a great benefit to the Lakers and fans, which shows that Davis has long-term confidence and loyalty to the Lakers. Davis also showed his desire and pursuit for the championship to the outside world. Davis is one of the top inside players in the league. He not only has excellent scoring, rebounding and defensive ability, but also can adapt to different styles and systems. His partnership with James is the cornerstone and guarantee for the Lakers to win the championship.
The Lakers team has a big change.
In addition to renewing the contract with Davis in advance, the Lakers also carried out many operations during the offseason and signed a number of powerful players, adding depth and diversity to the team. Their specific operations are as follows:
-Renewing Dangelo Russell: Russell is a great hero of the Lakers in the 2022 championship. He came off the bench in Game 6 and scored 24 points and 7 assists to help the Lakers beat the Heat and win the championship. Russell is an excellent point guard. He can organize attacks, create opportunities by passing the ball, and also project three points, posing a threat to opponents. He renewed a four-year $120 million contract with the Lakers and will continue to play for them.
-Renewing the contract of Eight Village Bases: Eight Village Bases was a big surprise for the Lakers in the 2022-23 season. He averaged 12.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists in the regular season, and also had a good performance in the playoffs. Bachunbei is an all-around striker. He can play multiple positions, has excellent physical fitness and athletic ability, and can also project three points and middle distance. He renewed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Lakers and will continue to fight for them.
-Renewing Austin Reeves: Reeves is a role player of the Lakers. He averaged 5.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists in the regular season and also made important contributions in the playoffs. Reeves is an excellent defender, who can defend multiple positions and cause trouble to his opponents. He can also shoot three points and break the score, adding firepower to the team. He renewed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Lakers and will continue to play for them.
-Signing Gabe Vincent: Vincent is a rookie guard. He played for the Rockets in the 2022-23 season, averaging 10.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. Vincent is a potential point guard. He has excellent speed and explosiveness, and can break through scoring and passing to create opportunities. He can also shoot three-pointers and free throws, adding firepower to the team. He signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Lakers to join them.
-Signing Toerien Prince: Prince is an experienced striker. He played for the Timberwolves in the 2022-23 season, averaging 12.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Prince is an all-round striker. He can play multiple positions and has excellent physical fitness and athletic ability. He can also shoot three-pointers and middle distances, adding firepower to the team. He signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Lakers to join them.
-Signing Cam Reddish: Reddish is a promising young defender. He played for the Hawks in the 2022-23 season, averaging 11.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Reddish is a potential scorer. He has excellent height and wingspan, can project three points and middle distance, and can also break through scoring and pass to create opportunities. He signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Lakers to join them.
-Signing jaxson Hayes: Hayes is a rookie insider. He played for the Pelicans in the 2022-23 season, averaging 8.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Hayes is an excellent defender. He has excellent physical fitness and athletic ability, and can protect the frame, rebound, block shots and fast break. He signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Lakers to join them.
Can the Lakers return to the championship next season?
Through these operations, the Lakers changed their blood during the offseason, adding a lot of strength and depth to the team. The lineup of the Lakers looks very strong, with many all-star players, as well as many role players and rookie players. The lineup of the Lakers can play a variety of styles and systems, which can not only play a fast-paced attack, but also play a steady defense. The lineup of the Lakers can also be adjusted and matched according to the characteristics of their opponents, making it difficult for them.
However, there are some problems and risks in the Lakers’ lineup. First of all, the Lakers’ lineup needs time to run in and adapt. After all, they have introduced many new faces and need to establish chemical reactions and tacit understanding. Secondly, the Lakers’ lineup also needs to be healthy and in good shape to avoid injuries. Especially Davis and James, the two core teams, have entered the later stage of their careers and need to take better care of their bodies. Finally, the Lakers’ lineup also needs to face the challenges and competition from other teams. After all, the NBA is a fickle league, with new dark horses and strong enemies appearing every season.
The Lakers changed their blood during the offseason, which added strength and depth to the team. However, the Lakers still need to solve some problems and risks if they want to return to the championship next season. Can the Lakers achieve this goal? Let’s wait and see. For the operation and prospect of the Lakers, fans and friends are welcome to give your views.
