Wow Team USA survives.

I'm also pretty sure AD got a hand on this shot. pic.twitter.com/EcwgZjhaeC

— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) July 20, 2024

Lakers Urged to Trade for $50 Million Shooting Center to Pair With Anthony Davis https://t.co/e5t1LTj0Qd via @heavysan

— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 20, 2024

The idea of landing another center wouldn’t necessarily be to have that player be a backup. Carter could fit into the role of starting at center, which would allow them to move Davis to the power forward position.

While Davis could still play the five when needed, this would allow him to focus on other things on the court, which could ultimately help keep him healthy.

Having Davis, an elite defender, and Carter, who holds his own on the defensive end, would give the Los Angeles Lakers one of the best frontcourt defenses in the NBA.

Outside of what Carter could bring in terms of lineup versatility, the Lakers could use much of what he does on the offensive side of the basketball. In 2023-24, he averaged 11.0 points and shot 37.4% from 3-point range on 3.1 attempts per game.

Giving Davis and LeBron James a 3-point shooting threat from the center position could help open up the Lakers’ offense after attempting the fewest 3-pointers per game a year ago.

The Lakers’ list of potential trade targets:

Darius Garland
Bruce Brown
Collin Sexton
Lauri Markkanen
Jerami Grant
Cam Johnson
Dorian Finney-Smith
Wendell Carter Jr.

I don’t foresee anything to be imminent, but watch for these names to become frequently linked to the Lakers.

— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) July 19, 2024

New Buha's Block: One important question for each Lakers player for next season

— How long can LeBron maintain his play?
— Is there another level AD can get to?
— How real was Vando's offensive improvement?
— Can Max Christie make a jump?

Watch: https://t.co/C3UYiKJdVy pic.twitter.com/kk0hC4SFsS

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) July 20, 2024

Why JJ Redick is the Lakers biggest wildcard https://t.co/iEgLTTv0ZI

— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 19, 2024

LeBron and Bronny James may be receiving a great deal of media attention, but the Los Angeles Lakers’ season may hinge on how first-year head coach JJ Redick guides the team. Whether or not you agree with the hire, it could be argued that the move is destined to end in extreme fashion. In other words, it does not seem likely that Redick’s LA tenure will be a middle-of-the road endeavor that simply fizzles out. middle-of-the-road

Redick will either thrive or exit in disastrous fashion. The Lakers’ current roster construction, combined with their new coach’s lack of experience and unique flair, will create a situation that will only end with dramatic results.

“I just felt like this is what I’m supposed to be doing. I have zero coaching experience in the NBA, but I would argue that I’m very experienced. It started 22 years ago when I went to Duke,” Redick said.

The Lakers have not had an impressive offseason thus far. Aside from bringing back James, LA has been unable to add through free agency due to salary issues. Assuming the roster mainly resembles last year’s rendition, James will once again hope that Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves and others will help put together a more consistent campaign

In particular it will be paramount that Anthony Davis stays healthy. Without him, Redick and the Lakers would be asking James to do a lot on a nightly basis. Such an ask could result in injury or burnout, leaving Redick to work with a roster that is weaker than what teams like the Nuggets, Mavericks, and Timberwolves bring to the hardwood.

Health does not guarantee chemistry for JJ Redick’s Lakers
Even if everyone stays healthy, there are still reasons to be concerned about Redick’s lack of experience and recent media endeavors. The former NBA sharpshooter has a bold personality. While it helped him as a player and has also been beneficial to his media career, it is not known how active players will like this trait coming from a head coach who is unproven.

The former NBA sharpshooter has a bold personality. While it helped him as a player, and has also been beneficial to his media career, it is not known how active players will like this trait coming from a head coach who is unproven.While James and Redick worked well on their podcast “Mind the Game,” their dynamic will certainly be different when the season starts, and it could take time for the former Duke Blue Devil to earn the respect of his players.

It is possible that he meshes well with the current roster and has the basketball IQ to scheme a season-long game plan that gets the Lakers towards the top of the West, but the roster does not seem to lend itself to immediate success, making Redick’s first year even more interesting from a personality standpoint.

Funny thing is, the 2020 Lakers were clearly the best team all year long.

They started 24-3, then handled the Clippers and Bucks back to back before the stoppage (where they were at a 64-win pace), then ran everyone in the bubble.

They were literally like this year’s Celtics. https://t.co/QwL9yAycDR

— Jason Timpf (@_JasonLT) July 19, 2024

To take it a step further, I think the 2020 Lakers would have beaten the 2024 Celtics handily.

They would have had the two best players in the series, and the Lakers match up really well with them defensively. Caruso/KCP/Green/Bron/AD are a great look for that drive & kick. https://t.co/CAGOU2HCmJ

— Jason Timpf (@_JasonLT) July 19, 2024

LeBron James is expected to make a bid for projected $7B expansion team in Las Vegas, per @FortuneMagazine.

“The looming bidding war for the NBA expansion team expected to be granted to Las Vegas is shaping up to be the most competitive and expensive sports deal in US history.… pic.twitter.com/AMmczI3UTB

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 19, 2024

Bronny James was gifted this insane rug of himself at Summer League after the Lakers win 🔥

(cia @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/T848EQnzfo

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 19, 2024

3 Most important Summer League Lakers offer glimpse into a JJ Redick future https://t.co/cvqniRJXCg

— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 19, 2024

Colin Castleton

Castleton has been nothing short of sensational during the Lakers’ Summer League games. He’s been a double-double machine, producing five in seven outings, and has often emerged as the team’s primary facilitator.

Bronny James

More importantly, he played with confidence that wasn’t anywhere to be seen during his first five Summer League games and shot with fearlessness when space presented itself.

The next time out, James addressed the notion that it was a fluke performance head-on. He put up 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, shooting 5-of-10 from the field, in what may have been the most well-rounded performance he’s had since high school.

Dalton Knecht

At 6’5″ and 212 pounds with a 6’9″ wingspan, Knecht moves effortlessly around the floor. He has the leaping ability to play above the rim, the strength and toughness to fight through contact, and the quickness to play the angles as well as any incoming rookie when on the drive.

If Knecht can parlay his Summer League success into a strong rookie season, the Lakers will be an entirely different team than they were a year ago.

Blockbuster Trade Between Lakers And Heat That Everyone Would Want To See https://t.co/hmXYDAl6NU via @franleiva_hoops

— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 19, 2024

Lakers receive:
-Bam Adebayo

Heat receive:
-D’Angelo Russell
-Austin Reaves
-Jarred Vanderbilt
-2029 first-round pick
-2031 first-round pick

Might be the best fit for him if his goal is to win a ring, could end up starting which is important to him. Takes a lotta pressure of Jokic and Murray in the first 3 quarters. Would be surprised if he ended up anywhere else.

Lakers grab their first Vegas Summer League win in nailbiter ending https://t.co/76rQlcdL31

— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 18, 2024

It took a fourth-quarter rally, but the Lakers finally earned their first Summer League win, beating the Atlanta Hawks 87-86 on Wednesday night.

With Dalton Knecht out, Bronny James would be the only center of attention and he delivered his best performance. He ended with 12 points, going 5-11 from the field. Colin Castleton scored 17 points, along with 12 rebounds, six assists and two steals.

Armel Traoré had eight points, one rebound, one assist and two steals and Sean East II pitched in with six points, grabbed five rebounds and dished six assists.

Mohamed Diarra had a nice game off the bench with eight points. Blake Hinson shot 4-10 from behind the arc and ended with 14 points.

In a rarity for this Lakers Summer League team, they jumped to a quick 12-2 lead with Bronny scoring early. He and Castleton took charge and the team seemed incredibly focused. The Hawks were able to answer with an 8-0 run to make it a two-point game.

Hinson, who struggled heavily from behind the arc, caught fire in the quarter with three straight makes. The Hawks maintained the lead into the fourth by nine.

However, the Lakers didn’t fold and cut the deficit down to six. Hinson’s second-half explosion made it a fun back-and-forth between the teams.

Then Bronny tied the game on a 3-pointer with 3:31 left.

L.A. picked up their defense and made the Hawks struggle with their shots. Los Angeles jumped ahead by three with two minutes left and suddenly, Atlanta missed the shots they converted on in the third quarter.

It was a one-point lead for L.A. with seconds remaining when the Hawks stole the ball and failed to get a shot off in time—giving the Lakers their first win of the Summer League.