The Los Angeles Lakers look radically different and better than they did just eight months ago. They have added lots of talent during that time by making some shrewd trades, some smart free agent signings and opting for roster continuity over chasing shiny objects such as Kyrie Irving or Chris Paul.
These moves have Lakers fans thinking NBA championship once again. The team reached the Western Conference Finals thanks to its revamped roster, but its late-season run was too much, too soon, as it got swept by the Denver Nuggets.
Buy Lakers TicketsSome national pundits feel the Lakers won’t be much more than a good team this upcoming season. But ESPN analyst Zach Lowe says they’re “in the inner circle of title contenders” (h/t The Cold Wire).
"They are in the inner circle of title contenders."@ZachLowe_NBA on the Lakers' potential this season. pic.twitter.com/d23aRQPflp
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 21, 2023
“The Lakers are really, really good defensively,” said Lowe. “Anthony Davis was the best defensive player in the postseason, full stop. … But they’re deep, they’re loaded, Austin Reaves is only gonna get better. And there was nothing flukey about what they did [last season]. … They are in the inner circle of title contenders.”
Lowe mentioned that other than LeBron James’ mileage, the only real obstacle the Lakers have is their halfcourt offense, which can get stagnant and slow at times. But they should be at least a somewhat improved 3-point shooting team, which would give James, Davis and others more room to do their thing closer to the basket.
