The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for the 2024-25 NBA season with significant roster changes and strategic additions. Following a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, in which they finished third in the Pacific Division and seventh in the Western Conference with a 47-35 record, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets. Despite winning the inaugural NBA Cup, the early playoff exit prompted the franchise to make substantial changes, starting with firing head coach Darvin Ham.
In a bold move, the Lakers appointed JJ Redick as their new head coach. Redick, a former professional NBA player with no prior coaching experience, brings a fresh perspective to the team. While this decision carries inherent risks, it also presents an opportunity for innovation and a new direction for the Lakers. The hiring process was tumultuous, with Dan Hurley declining an offer before Redick was ultimately chosen.
While the Los Angeles Lakers are a storied franchise, their odds of winning the 2025 NBA Championship are not particularly favorable, according to most online casino reviews and sportsbooks. Many reputable online casino reviews, including sports betting odds, list the Lakers around +3500 to +4000 to win the title next season.
This places them outside the top ten favorites, behind teams like the Celtics, Thunder, and Nuggets. The Lakers’ long odds reflect their disappointing first-round playoff exit in 2024 and uncertainty around their aging roster despite still having LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Questionable Off-Season
The Lakers’ offseason strategy has been debated among NBA analysts and fans, with many being put off by general manager Rob Pelinka’s apparent lack of urgency. At the same time, the team’s limited cap space has constrained its ability to make significant free-agent signings. However, it has retained key players, including D’Angelo Russell, who exercised his player option to return for another season.
In the 2024 NBA Draft, the Lakers selected promising rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. A small forward, Knecht has been praised for his shooting ability and scoring versatility. James, the son of Lakers superstar LeBron James, brings a unique dynamic to the team. While both rookies show potential, they will unlikely make a substantial impact in their first NBA seasons.
The Lakers’ roster still has notable gaps, particularly after the departures of players like Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Prince. To address these needs, the Lakers are exploring trade options to acquire established talent. Two names that have emerged as potential targets are Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets and Bruce Brown of the Toronto Raptors.
Johnson and Brown
A small forward, Cam Johnson, has been with the Nets since being traded from the Phoenix Suns in February 2023. Johnson has demonstrated consistent performance, averaging 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game last season. His three-point shooting, with a 39.1% average, makes him an attractive addition for the Lakers, who need reliable perimeter scoring.
A versatile guard, Bruce Brown has also caught the Lakers’ attention. Brown, who played for the Denver Nuggets before being traded to the Indiana Pacers and subsequently to the Raptors, is known for his defensive prowess and ability to contribute across various facets of the game. The Raptors exercised Brown’s $23 million team option, indicating his value as a trade asset. Acquiring Brown would bolster the Lakers’ backcourt depth and defensive capabilities.
Despite the challenges in free agency and the complexities of the trade market, the Lakers remain committed to enhancing their roster. The team’s front office, led by Rob Pelinka, is adopting a patient approach, waiting for the right opportunities to make impactful moves. This strategy aims to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term sustainability.
The upcoming season will be a critical test for the Lakers as they navigate the pressures of competing in a highly competitive Western Conference. The performance of their new head coach, the development of their rookies, and the potential acquisition of players like Johnson and Brown will all play pivotal roles in determining the team’s success. As the Lakers strive to return to championship contention, their ability to execute strategic roster moves will be essential in shaping their future.
