1. Los Angeles Lakers
Notable Additions: LeBron James, JaVale McGee, Moe Wagner, Svi Mykhailiuk, Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, Michael Beasley
Notable Subtractions: Julius Randle, Brook Lopez
LeBron James is now a Los Angeles Laker with several other improving young players. How are they not interesting?! Add in the other peculiar free agent signings and the Lakers are full of weird personalities. The Lakers won 35 games last year despite lots of injuries. They did go 24-23 in the 2018 calendar year. Now, swap Julius Randle, Brook Lopez, Larry Nance, Jordan Clarkson, Isaiah Thomas, and G-Leaguers for the guys they added above. If the young guys are healthy and show significant improvement, they could be one of the best teams in the west.
For the young guys in particular, they showed they are very solid players. Lonzo Ball needs to get his shot consistent off spot ups and curls. He also has to get more comfortable running pick n’ rolls. With that said, he is an elite passer, rebounder, and defender.
Brandon Ingram is a very good shot creator off drives and pick-and-rolls. His on-ball defense is also very good. His off-ball defense can be nonchalant and his shot selection needs improvement, but he got more comfortable handling the ball as the year went on. He did not take many 3s last season (1.8 attempts per game) but he shot a good percentage (39%). His volume should increase even though his percentage will decrease, but his overall efficiency will increase. Playing next to LeBron should increase those spot up opportunities.
As for the other youngsters, Kyle Kuzma is a very dynamic scorer whose 3-point shooting could be better. His defense got better as the season went on, but it still needs improvement. His passing was good in college, but has yet to translate in the pros. Josh Hart was a very versatile defender and consistent spot-up shooter last season. He just won Summer League MVP, showing better scoring and shooting off the dribble. Rookies Moe and Svi look ready to contribute even though it will probably be in limited minutes at least in the beginning.
In the end, we know what to expect from LeBron and the vets. The Lakers will go as far as the youngsters improve. While they will likely not beat the Warriors, they could probably challenge any other team in the west.
