Los Angeles Lakers 2023 Forecast: Changes; Depth Chart; Strength & Weakness
Additions:
Gabe Vincent
Jaxon Hayes
Maxwell Lewis
Christian Wood
Cam Reddish
Losses:
Dennis Schroeder
Forecast Depth Chart:
Gabe Vincent | D’Angelo Russell
Austin Reaves | Jalen Hood-Schifino
LeBron James | Taurean Prince | Maxwell Lewis | Cam Reddish
Rui Hachimura | Jared Vanderbilt
Anthony Davis | Jaxon Hayes | Christian Wood
Sixth Man: D’Angelo Russell
Third Big: Jared Vanderbilt
Team Profile:
The Lakers had a massive offseason; keeping Reaves, Vanderbilt, Hachimura and Russell; and bringing in Wood, Prince, Vincent as well as their rookies. Obviously, the Lakers have superstars in James and Davis, but they also have the depth to go a very long way in the playoffs. The one thing the Lakers need is for somebody to settle into that uber-important third-option role, and although I thought that guy would be Russell, Reaves seems primed to have a monster season where he could average 18-20 points. Regardless, the Lakers are contenders.
Player Profile:
This has to be Austin Reaves, the undrafted guard turned Lakers starter. He now is their strongest option to be that third star they need; he’s excellent now with 20-point potential.