New look Lakers aim to capture 18th championship for LA
Luka Dončić will also be entering his second season in Los Angeles and fans will be expecting more of this team than what they saw transpire this season.
The Lakers have been struggling without a dominant presence in the paint. Their weaknesses at the centre position has seen them fall short of glory ever since their championship win in the Covid-19 bubble season in 2020.
The King, LeBron James, will return for his 23rd season, and one of the best offensive weapons in the NBA, Dončić, should display maturation. The Slovenian sniper has also been increasing his conditioning, which should see him become more of a threat.
The Lakers have added a former number one draft pick in the form of Deandre Ayton. Ayton has been signed to a two-year deal, giving the franchise the edge they have lacked in the interior.
Ayton joins a frontcourt that includes Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Maxi Kleber. Austin Reaves and Bronny James add depth and shooting to the backcourt.
Dalton Knecht who surpassed all expectations last season as a dynamic wing player along with Christian Koloko, a versatile seven-footer, provide the team with more two way weaponry. The Lakers have also ensured to keep a few veterans like Shake Milton, Markieff Morris, and Gabe Vincent as rotation players.
Head coach and former three-point savant for an array of teams, JJ Redick, will look to lead his team through a deep Playoff run as the Lakers have not been able to get by the first round in two years. The Lakers' front office is focused on size, shooting and defensive fortitude. Point Guard: Luka Dončić
Shooting Guard: Austin Reaves
Small Forward: LeBron James
Power Forward: Rui Hachimura
Centre: Deandre Ayton
James is still keeping Father Time at bay as the oldest player in the NBA, and with Dončić pulling the strings offensively and Ayton filling the much-needed centre role, the Lakers could pose a threat in their hopes to secure their 18th championship banner.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs news: Second new striker and Appolls truth
Kaizer Chiefs supporters should appreciate this. The Betway Premiership heavyweights are said to be hunting for an additional goal-scorer. As reported this week, Flavio Silva, a 29-year-old striker from Guinea-Bissau, was unveiled as Kaizer Chiefs' center forward. According to the latest reports, Amakhosi is still looking for another reliable finisher to deliver goals at the FNB Stadium next season. Orlando Pirates: Three positions Appollis can play Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi at the FNB Stadium. Image: Goal Former AmaZulu striker Etiosa Ighodaro has been mentioned, while the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) top scorer Naledi Hlongwane is an option as a squad striker for the medium to long term. What Kaizer Chiefs have after losing out on Appollis 'There are a number of strikers that the club have been looking at apart from Mayele and Olunga,' a source informed Soccer Laduma . 'One of them is Flavio Silva, who the team has already announced, and the others are Etiosa Ighodaro and youngster Naledi Hlongwane, who has been promoted from the DDC side… Full story here. Long before Orlando Pirates beat Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs to sign Oswin Appollis, the 23-year-old winger was known to be Amakhosi's primary target. While the gold and black nation anticipated the deal this winter, the Buccaneers announced devastating news: Oswin Appollis officially became an Orlando Pirates player on Wednesday. Deflated Kaizer Chiefs followers have responded with impatient questions. Did the club actually make any attempts to sign Appollis? Back in September 2024, 947's Robert Mawara asked the club's sporting director, Kaizer Motaung Jr., if Amakhosi had any interest in the talented winger from Bishop Lavis, Cape Town. 'Oswin is a top talent, what we can say about him…Full story here. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs add THIRD left-back to their ranks!
Kaizer Chiefs have added a third left-back to their ranks in the form of former Orlando Pirates man Paseka Mako. Mako parted ways with the Buccaneers immediately after the conclusion of last season after the two parties couldn't agree terms on a new deal. He left Pirates alongside Thabiso Monyane who was also unveiled by Chiefs on Thursday evening as reported by The South African. Mako is a veteran left-footed wing-back, and Chiefs are hoping to benefit greatly from his experience. According to the Naturena-based side, the 31-year-old left-footer will don the No.29 which he previously used at Pirates. Mako becomes Amakhosi's third left-back alongside Bradley Cross and new signing Nkanyiso Shinga. Paseka Mako in action for Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership against Cape Town Spurs at the Orlando Stadium. Image: IOL Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates sign long-term Kaizer Chiefs targets
Orlando Pirates have been the most busy of the 'Big Three' – watch out Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns. Orlando Pirates have now signed not one but two Kaizer Chiefs transfer targets. So, the Bucs have bolstered their squad while simultanouesly hijacking Amakhosi's transfer plans. Firstly, the Bucs secured ex-Sundowns man, Sipho Mbule. Thereafter, they wrapped up Bafana Bafana attacker Oswin Appollis from right under Amakhosi's noses. Initially, Mbule's agent confirmed that he was offered to Chiefs. This comes after several seasons of the ex-Sundowns star being linked with Amakhosi. However, they did not accept the offer. Then Pirates bounced. Securing the services of the former Sundowns and SuperSport United midfielder. Thereafter, Abdeslam charges acted fast to sign sought-after Bafana Bafana attacker, Appollis. The man that Chiefs have been strongly linked months. Ironically, Amakhosi were on the brink of signing him in the last transfer window but the deal did not materialize. Now, he is a Buccanneer. Therefore, Pirates have certainly made much bigger and better moves than their Soweto rivals. Chiefs have a whole team worth of new players – these 11 new players have reportedly joined the first team. This includes TWO European-based signings, FIVE promotions and FOUR players from PSL rivals. Meanwhile, they are expected to sign these players from Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana. In contrast, as mentioned, FIVE Amakhosi player departures have been confirmed. Whilst, a total of FIVE more Chiefs players are heading out of Naturena. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Also, Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
