The Los Angeles Lakers held their annual Media Day on Monday, September 23, 2024, at the team’s practice facility in El Segundo, California. The event marked the official start of the 2024-25 NBA season for the Lakers, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing campaign last year.
New head coach Darvin Ham took center stage at Media Day, speaking to reporters about his expectations for the upcoming season and his plans for the team. Ham, who was hired in May after Frank Vogel was fired, brings a wealth of experience to the Lakers, having served as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks for the past six seasons.
With a new coach and a number of new players, the Lakers are hoping to turn things around this season. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook will all be back in the fold, and they’ll be joined by a supporting cast that includes Patrick Beverley, Lonnie Walker IV, and Damian Jones.
Lakers Media Day 2024
New coach, new players, new attitude.
- Darvin Ham era begins
- LeBron, AD, Russ return
- Beverley, Walker, Jones join
- Chemistry key for success
- Playoffs the goal
The Lakers are hoping that a new coach and a number of new players will help them return to the playoffs after missing out last season. Darvin Ham is a respected coach who has a reputation for developing strong relationships with his players. He’ll need to get the best out of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook if the Lakers are going to be successful.
Darvin Ham era begins
Darvin Ham was introduced as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers on May 13, 2024, replacing Frank Vogel. Ham, who spent the previous six seasons as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks, is known for his defensive acumen and his ability to develop strong relationships with his players.
Ham has a tough task ahead of him in Los Angeles. The Lakers are coming off a disappointing season in which they failed to make the playoffs. The team also has a number of question marks, including the health of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and the fit of Russell Westbrook.
However, Ham is confident that he can turn things around. He has a strong track record of success as an assistant coach, and he has the respect of his players. Ham is also a good communicator, and he is able to get his players to buy into his system.
The Lakers are hoping that Ham can be the coach who finally brings them their 18th NBA championship. He is a proven winner, and he has the experience and the knowledge to lead this team to success.
Ham’s arrival in Los Angeles has been met with a lot of excitement. Lakers fans are eager to see what he can do with this team. Ham is a young, energetic coach who is known for his innovative approach to the game. He is also a players’ coach, and he is expected to get the best out of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook.
LeBron, AD, Russ return
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook are all expected to return to the Lakers for the 2024-25 season. This is a major boost for the team, as all three players are All-Stars and key members of the team.
James is coming off a season in which he averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. He is still one of the best players in the league, and he is the Lakers’ unquestioned leader.
Davis is also a superstar in his own right. He averaged 23.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game last season. He is one of the most dominant big men in the league, and he is a key part of the Lakers’ defense.
Westbrook is a former MVP who averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game last season. He is a dynamic playmaker who can create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
The Lakers are hoping that James, Davis, and Westbrook can stay healthy and play well together this season. If they can, the Lakers will be one of the favorites to win the NBA championship.
The return of James, Davis, and Westbrook is a major positive for the Lakers. However, there are still some question marks surrounding the team. One concern is the team’s age. James and Davis are both in their 30s, and Westbrook is in his late 30s. The Lakers will need to manage their minutes carefully and keep them healthy throughout the season.
Beverley, Walker, Jones join
The Lakers made a number of moves in the offseason to improve their roster, including signing Patrick Beverley, Lonnie Walker IV, and Damian Jones.
Beverley is a tough, defensive-minded guard who is known for his hustle and energy. He is a good three-point shooter and he can also create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Walker is a young, athletic wing player who can score in bunches. He is a good shooter and he can also get to the rim. Walker is also a good defender.
Jones is a big, physical center who is a good rebounder and defender. He can also score in the paint and he is a good passer.
These three players are all expected to play significant roles for the Lakers this season. Beverley will be the team’s starting point guard, Walker will start at shooting guard, and Jones will back up Anthony Davis at center.
The additions of Beverley, Walker, and Jones give the Lakers a more well-rounded roster. They all bring different skills to the table, and they should help the Lakers compete for a championship this season.
Chemistry key for success
The Lakers have a lot of talent on their roster, but they need to develop chemistry in order to be successful. This means that the players need to learn how to play together and trust each other.
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Build relationships off the court
One of the best ways to build chemistry is to build relationships off the court. This means spending time together outside of practice and games, and getting to know each other as people. The Lakers can do this by going out to dinner together, playing golf, or just hanging out at each other’s houses.
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Communicate on the court
Communication is also key to building chemistry. The Lakers need to be able to communicate with each other on the court, both verbally and non-verbally. They need to be able to tell each other where they are going to be and what they are going to do. The more they communicate, the better they will be able to play together.
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Be willing to sacrifice
In order to be successful, the Lakers need to be willing to sacrifice. This means putting the team’s success ahead of their own individual success. They need to be willing to give up shots, passes, and rebounds in order to help the team win. The more they are willing to sacrifice, the better they will be as a team.
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Trust each other
Finally, the Lakers need to trust each other. They need to trust that their teammates will make the right play and that they will be there to support them. The more they trust each other, the better they will be able to play together.
Chemistry is not something that can be built overnight. It takes time and effort. However, if the Lakers are willing to put in the work, they can develop the chemistry they need to be successful.
Playoffs the goal
The Lakers have one goal this season: to make the playoffs. After missing the playoffs last season, the Lakers are determined to get back to the postseason and compete for a championship.
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Healthy Big Three
The Lakers’ success this season will depend heavily on the health of their Big Three: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. If all three players can stay healthy and play at a high level, the Lakers will be a tough team to beat. However, if one or more of them misses significant time due to injury, the Lakers’ chances of making the playoffs will be greatly diminished.
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Improved defense
The Lakers also need to improve their defense this season. Last season, they were one of the worst defensive teams in the league. They allowed opponents to score too easily and they gave up too many second-chance points. If the Lakers want to make the playoffs, they need to be better on the defensive end of the floor.
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Strong bench play
The Lakers also need to get more production from their bench this season. Last season, their bench was one of the worst in the league. They didn’t provide much scoring or defense, and they often hurt the team more than they helped. If the Lakers want to make the playoffs, they need their bench players to step up and contribute.
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Chemistry
Finally, the Lakers need to develop chemistry this season. They have a lot of new players, and they need to learn how to play together. The more chemistry they develop, the better they will be as a team. If the Lakers can develop good chemistry, they will be a tough team to beat.
The Lakers have a lot of work to do if they want to make the playoffs this season. However, they have the talent and the experience to get it done. If they can stay healthy, improve their defense, get more production from their bench, and develop chemistry, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024:
Question 1: What are the Lakers’ chances of making the playoffs in 2024?
Answer: The Lakers’ chances of making the playoffs in 2024 will depend on a number of factors, including the health of their Big Three (LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook), their ability to improve their defense, and their ability to develop chemistry. If they can stay healthy, improve their defense, and develop chemistry, they have a good chance of making the playoffs.
Question 2: Who will be the Lakers’ starting lineup in 2024?
Answer: The Lakers’ starting lineup in 2024 is likely to be:
- Point guard: Patrick Beverley
- Shooting guard: Lonnie Walker IV
- Small forward: LeBron James
- Power forward: Anthony Davis
- Center: Damian Jones
Question 3: Who are the Lakers’ key players in 2024?
Answer: The Lakers’ key players in 2024 are LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. These three players are all All-Stars and they will need to play at a high level if the Lakers want to be successful.
Question 4: What are the Lakers’ biggest weaknesses in 2024?
Answer: The Lakers’ biggest weaknesses in 2024 are their defense and their bench play. Last season, they were one of the worst defensive teams in the league and their bench was one of the worst in the league. If they want to be successful this season, they need to improve their defense and get more production from their bench.
Question 5: What are the Lakers’ biggest strengths in 2024?
Answer: The Lakers’ biggest strengths in 2024 are their star power and their experience. They have three All-Stars in LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. They also have a number of other experienced players, including Patrick Beverley, Lonnie Walker IV, and Damian Jones. If they can stay healthy and develop chemistry, they will be a tough team to beat.
Question 6: What are the Lakers’ realistic expectations for the 2024 season?
Answer: The Lakers’ realistic expectations for the 2024 season are to make the playoffs and compete for a championship. They have the talent and the experience to do it. However, they need to stay healthy, improve their defense, and develop chemistry. If they can do those things, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
Closing Paragraph:
The Lakers have a lot of potential in 2024. They have a talented roster and an experienced coaching staff. However, they also have a number of challenges to overcome. If they can stay healthy, improve their defense, and develop chemistry, they have a good chance of being a contender for the NBA championship.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for Lakers fans in 2024:
Tips
Here are a few tips for Lakers fans in 2024:
Tip 1: Be patient.
The Lakers are a young team with a lot of new players. It will take some time for them to develop chemistry and learn how to play together. Don’t get discouraged if they struggle at times early in the season. Just be patient and trust that they will eventually figure it out.
Tip 2: Embrace the new era of Lakers basketball.
The Lakers are entering a new era with a new coach and a number of new players. This is an exciting time to be a Lakers fan. Embrace the change and enjoy watching this young team grow and develop.
Tip 3: Support the team through thick and thin.
The Lakers are going to have their ups and downs this season. There will be times when they win and there will be times when they lose. No matter what happens, be sure to support the team through thick and thin. They need your support, especially during the tough times.
Tip 4: Have fun!
At the end of the day, basketball is a game. It’s supposed to be fun. So make sure to have fun watching the Lakers this season. Enjoy the excitement of the game and the camaraderie of other Lakers fans.
Closing Paragraph:
The 2024 NBA season is going to be an exciting one for Lakers fans. The team has a lot of potential and they are poised to make a run at the championship. By following these tips, you can make the most of the season and enjoy watching the Lakers compete for a title.
In addition to the tips provided above, here are a few bonus tips for Lakers fans in 2024:
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the 2024 season with a lot of hope and excitement. They have a talented roster led by LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. They also have a new coach in Darvin Ham, who is known for his defensive acumen and his ability to develop strong relationships with his players.
The Lakers have a number of challenges to overcome this season. They need to stay healthy, improve their defense, and develop chemistry. However, if they can do those things, they have the potential to be a contender for the NBA championship.
Lakers fans should be excited about the upcoming season. The team has a lot of potential and they are poised to make a run at the title. By following the tips provided in this article, fans can make the most of the season and enjoy watching the Lakers compete for a championship.
Closing Message:
Let’s go Lakers!