The LeBron James and Anthony Davis led LA Lakers, will be looking to have a great 2022- 23 campaign after a disappointing finish last season
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The LA Lakers are coming into the 2022-23 season with high hopes. After finishing eleventh during the last campaign, the Purple and Gold made some exciting signings during the offseason. They added the likes of Patrick Beverley, Juan Toscano – Anderson, Lonnie Walker IV and Thomas Bryant. All of these players will prove to be pivotal in an already star-studded LA Lakers roster.
Despite having assembled a strong-looking roster on paper last season, the team from Hollywood were unable to get going right from the very start. Many believe the same could be the case next season as they still seem to lack shooting. However, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis still at the helm, the LA Lakers could still very well be an exciting side to watch next season. There is still a lot of speculation surrounding the moves the team could make, but in this article, we will take a look at five players that will be key for them in their 2022-23 campaign.
LeBron James will be entering the 20th year of his NBA career next season. However, his performance last season could be a preview of what the King still has to offer to the game of basketball. The four-time NBA champion averaged 30.3 PPG and finished second in the scoring title race to Joel Embiid. James has been working extremely hard to get his body ready for the 2022-23 campaign. He was left disappointed by the Lakers’ eleventh-place finish and would certainly give his best to lead the team to a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.
Anthony Davis is one of the most talented players in the NBA. However, injuries have made things extremely difficult for him in his stint with the LA Lakers. The big man was only available in 40 regular season games last season. This was believed to be one of the biggest reasons behind the team’s exit disappointing finish. AD has been heavily criticised by several media analysts as they have stated that he hasn’t been doing enough to keep his body ready for the season. However, all of that could be put to rest as the eight-time All-Star has been locked in during the offseason. Some of his workout videos that surfaced around have had the Lakers fans go crazy as they believe he could prove to be one of their main players during the 2022-23 season.
Russell Westbrook’s first year in LA certainly did not go as per his or anyone’s expectations. He was expected to be traded in the offseason, but his dropped value meant that the Purple and Gold would also have to include two first-round picks in a deal for him. But the team was not willing to do that and as a result, they still have him on the roster. While many think that he could be a liability for them, Russ could add a lot of value to the team. He is still athletic and could register triple-doubles on a nightly basis. Moreover, new coach Darvin Ham seems to really have figured out a way he could integrate the former MVP into the team. If Ham can make good use of him, Westbrook could certainly prove to be a great boost to the side.
Patrick Beverley is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. His presence helped the Minnesota Timberwolves make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2018. After helping get there he was traded to the Utah Jazz and then finally to the LA Lakers. Beverely has had a history of problems with former MVP Russell Westbrook. But the two are professionals and would not let their issues get in the way of the team. In fact, Beverley’s presence could get the best out of Westbrook as it would create a competitive atmosphere in the roster. The three-time All-Defensive selection can make it very difficult for his opponents as he can get into their heads with all his trash talk and tenacity. His arrival certainly adds to the toughness of the team.
Austin Reaves was one of the biggest positives for the LA Lakers last season. After going undrafted in the 2021 draft, the LA Lakers signed Reaves to a two-way contract. He proved to be a big steal for them as he offered great productivity on the offensive and the defensive end of the floor. As the season progressed. coach Frank Vogel’s belief in the youngster kept increasing as he kept delivering every game. Heading into the next season, reports have emerged that the team are considering adding him to the starting lineup. Only time will tell if that happens as there is a lot of competing for a sport in the starting and finishing lineup on the roster. However, he is certainly one of their key players due to his confident playing style.
