The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for another NBA season, but there’s a sense of unease surrounding the team.

Despite their immense talent, there are numerous signs that this season could turn into a disaster.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis, two of the league’s biggest stars, are ready to go after another summer of competition, this time at the Paris Olympics, but the team dynamics may not be enough to capitalize on their abilities.

From a brand-new coaching staff to a roster that lacks defensive depth, it seems like the Lakers could be in trouble before the season even begins.

So, what’s going wrong with the Lakers, and could it lead to drastic moves like a blockbuster trade to salvage the season?

LeBron and AD Are Exhausted

Let’s start with the basics: LeBron and Anthony Davis just competed in the Paris Olympics, representing Team USA.

While this was a proud moment, the physical toll of international competition, combined with the grueling NBA season ahead, could leave the Lakers’ stars fatigued.

For two players with histories of injuries and wear-and-tear, entering the season without adequate rest might spell disaster.

After all, as talented as they are, LeBron is entering his 21st season, and Davis isn’t getting any younger.

For a team so dependent on its superstars, fatigue could become a major issue.

Inexperienced Coaching Staff

The entire Lakers coaching staff is brand new.

From the lead assistant down to the interns, the team is entering the season with fresh faces.

Most notably, the head coach has never done this before at the NBA level.

While every coach needs a starting point, this setup has many Lakers fans concerned.

Can a rookie head coach command the respect of a locker room that includes LeBron James?

Can they steer a team filled with young players and veterans alike, all while managing the immense pressure of the LA market?

Lakers fans have reason to be worried. If the coaching staff can’t find the right balance early, the season might spiral out of control.

A lack of chemistry, coupled with a high level of inexperience on the sidelines, could lead to a rocky start.

Could a Trade Save the Lakers?

If the season starts poorly, will the Lakers make a trade to save themselves?

They have assets, including two valuable first-round draft picks in 2029 and 2031, as well as young players like Jalen Hood-Schifino, Max Christie, and Dalton Knecht.

The roster also boasts young veterans such as Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura.

But if things go south early, would the Lakers be willing to trade away some of these assets?

LeBron and Anthony Davis are considered untouchable, and most likely, Bronny James too.

But many others on the team could be moved if the right deal comes along.

However, making a panic trade to help an aging roster is risky, and the Lakers have already learned that lesson the hard way.

The Lakers are still recovering from their decision to trade for Russell Westbrook three years ago.

That deal proved disastrous, and it dismantled a championship-caliber roster.

Since then, the Lakers have been cautious about making major trades, even passing up the opportunity to acquire Kyrie Irving two seasons ago.

The front office may not be willing to gamble on another risky trade just to salvage a season that looks bleak from the start.

Fear of the New CBA

The NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is another reason why teams are cautious about making trades.

Under the old CBA, teams could spend freely, and while the luxury tax was a deterrent, franchises with deep-pocketed owners, like Steve Ballmer and the Clippers, could absorb the financial hit.

The new rules, however, make it more difficult to spend without harming the roster.

If a team makes one wrong move, it can cripple their ability to sign free agents, make trades, or even utilize their mid-level exceptions.

This newfound caution has paralyzed many teams across the league, including the Lakers.

No one wants to be the next front office to get burned by the CBA’s restrictions.

This could be why the Lakers might refrain from making a big trade, even if it seems like the season is slipping away.

LeBron’s Frustration Will Boil Over

If the Lakers struggle, you can bet LeBron James won’t be happy.

We’ve seen it before: LeBron is not shy about expressing his frustration when his team underperforms.

The media frenzy surrounding Bronny James’ NBA debut will only add to the pressure, as ESPN and other outlets will focus relentlessly on every game, every interaction, and every development.

LeBron has admitted that having his son on the floor during practices has been a distraction for him.

“It was the first time in a long time where I kind of lost focus,” LeBron said in a podcast interview, admitting that he’s not used to having his attention diverted during games or practice sessions.

While this moment is personally significant for the James family, it’s not necessarily conducive to a smooth season for the Lakers.

LeBron is also a free agent next summer, which raises the stakes even more.

If the Lakers falter this year and fail to make the necessary moves to remain competitive, LeBron could threaten to leave.

He’s done it before, and it wouldn’t be a shock if he did it again.

JJ Redick’s Coaching Challenge

Another concern is the Lakers’ head coach, rumored to be JJ Redick.

While Redick was a respected player during his NBA career, transitioning from player to coach is never easy.

We saw how quickly the narrative around Steve Nash shifted when his head coaching tenure with the Brooklyn Nets fell apart

Once highly respected as a player, Nash’s coaching struggles made him something of a scapegoat for Brooklyn’s problems.

If the Lakers underperform, Redick could face similar criticism.

The respect players have for a former player doesn’t always translate to the locker room when he becomes the coach.

Veteran players may struggle to buy into Redick’s system, and younger players might not respond to his coaching style.

Shaquille O’Neal has already voiced his skepticism, suggesting that players won’t respond well to a coach who yells and demands more running from his team.

In a locker room filled with strong personalities, Redick could face a tough challenge.

What If the Lakers Succeed?

Let’s say the Lakers defy expectations.

LeBron and Anthony Davis click, and the new coaching staff surprises everyone by leading the team to a top-four seed by Christmas.

At that point, would the Lakers consider a trade to push for a title?

One of the Lakers’ primary issues is defense.

Their best two guards, D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, are offensive threats but are defensive liabilities.

Meanwhile, their top defensive wing, Jared Vanderbilt, is injured and has struggled to stay on the floor in big games due to his offensive limitations.

The team also needs a solid defensive big man to complement Davis, who performs best when playing alongside a center.

Names like Marcus Smart and Bruce Brown have been floated as potential trade targets.

Smart, while not as dominant defensively as he was during his Defensive Player of the Year campaign three seasons ago, would be a significant upgrade on defense.

However, his offensive limitations (he’s a career 32% three-point shooter) could be a problem for a team that needs floor spacing.

Walker Kessler is another name that has come up.

The young center would be an ideal fit next to Davis, providing size and defensive prowess.

However, prying him away from the Utah Jazz would likely require a hefty package, which might include all of the Lakers’ remaining draft picks and young players.

Conclusion

The 2023-2024 season could go in several different directions for the Lakers.

They could surprise everyone, with LeBron and AD leading the team to the playoffs.

But the more likely outcome, given the circumstances, is that the Lakers will struggle.

The new coaching staff’s inexperience, combined with LeBron and Davis’ heavy workload, could result in a disappointing season.

And if things don’t improve quickly, the Lakers might refrain from making a trade, leaving LeBron frustrated and potentially looking for a new team next summer.

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