LeBron James and Luka Dončić begin their first full season as teammates with the Lakers. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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2024-25 Record: 50-32 (3rd in West, lost in First Round)
The 2024-25 Lakers season will be remembered for the stunning midseason trade to acquire Luka Dončić from Dallas and the disappointment of a second straight first-round exit (this time at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games).
The new-look Lakers will have a full training camp and regular season with Dončić and LeBron James playing side by side — along with a few new pieces added in the offseason. That group will have a chance to develop their on-court chemistry and elevate each other as a whole. With James set to enter an unprecedented 23rd season, maximizing this superstar window will be key for the Lakers this season.
Offseason
- Re-signing: Luka Dončić (extension), Jaxson Hayes, LeBron James (player option exercised)
- Additions: Deandre Ayton (free agent), Jake LaRavia (free agent), Marcus Smart (free agent)
- Draft: Adou Thiero (36th pick, acquired via trade)
- Departures: Dorian Finney-Smith (free agent), Jordan Goodwin (waived), Trey Jemison III (waived), Shake Milton (waived)
- Unsigned Free Agents: Alex Len, Markieff Morris
> Complete Roster
The Lakers’ roster moves date back to Feb. 2, when L.A. and Dallas agreed to the deal that sent Dončić to L.A. in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and future Draft picks. This summer, the Lakers and Dončić agreed to a reported three-year contract extension, securing their joint future together through at least 2028.
In addition to extending Dončić, the Lakers added a trio of free agents to help boost the team’s depth. That group includes 2018 No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton, 2021-22 Kia Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart and youngster Jake LaRavia. L.A. also re-signed center Jaxson Hayes and acquired No. 36 pick Adou Thiero in the 2025 Draft via a trade.
What’s next for Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and the Lakers?
The Lakers are limited, but do have options when it comes to re-engineering the team around superstar Luka Dončić.
X-factor
LeBron James. He has accomplished many firsts throughout his NBA career, and he’s still adding to that collection. When he takes the court in L.A. on opening night, he will be the first player in NBA history to play a 23rd season.
No player has defied Father Time like James, who averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists over 70 games in his 22nd season. Only five other players in NBA history have put up those numbers or better in a season: Oscar Robertson (five times), Dončić (four), Nikola Jokić (four), Russell Westbrook (twice) and James Harden (once). James is the only player to have such a season at age 30 or higher, which he’s done four times (including last season at age 40).
Who knows how much longer James will choose to play, so basketball fans need to enjoy these moments while they still can.
> Watch LeBron James on NBA League Pass
One key question
What does season two look like for the Dončić-James pairing and coach JJ Redick?
After being thrust together following the midseason trade, Dončić and James had to learn from each other and build chemistry on the fly. The results were sometimes spectacular as they combined for 59 assist connections between them. But how much more can they coalesce with a full training camp and regular season together?
The same goes for Redick, who’s had a full offseason to study film and contemplate new ways on how he can maximize these two generational talents with the rest of his roster. How can the Lakers incorporate Ayton’s paint presence as a post scorer and rim protector? Can Smart return to form after playing just 54 games in the past two seasons combined? Will Austin Reaves make another leap in his fifth NBA season?
Fantasy Outlook from RotoWire
The team at RotoWire broke down the top fantasy options for each team in the West. Here’s how they broke down some of the best options from the Lakers:
“The midseason acquisition of Luka Dončić signaled a changing of the guard in Los Angeles, with a rebuild centered around Dončić coming to the forefront after Anthony Davis was shipped in the deal. Although LeBron James continues to betray Father Time, every ensuing season could be his last, and although he’ll return for an unprecedented 23rd season, it’s clear that the organization is preparing to move on once James retires. LA’s top priority in free agency was to add a big man to the roster, and they made a deal with Deandre Ayton to fill a position that suffered after Davis’ exit. Dončić and Austin Reaves will form an imposing backcourt, while James and Rui Hachimura will fill out the starting five with Ayton under the basket. Depth is of some concern for the team, so the Lakers need to run injury-free to repeat as winners in the Pacific Division.”
Key dates
- Preseason Opener: Oct. 3 vs. Suns (10 ET, League Pass)
- Regular Season/Home Opener: Oct. 21 vs. Warriors (10 ET, NBC & Peacock)
- Emirates NBA Cup West Group B Play: Oct. 31 at Grizzlies (9:30 ET, Prime), Nov. 14 at Pelicans (8 ET, League Pass), Nov. 25 vs. Clippers (11 ET, NBC & Peacock), Nov. 28 vs. Mavericks (10 ET, Prime)
- NBA Christmas Day: Dec. 25 vs. Houston (8 ET, ABC & ESPN)
- Rivals Week: Jan. 20 at Nuggets (10 ET, NBC & Peacock), Jan. 22 at Clippers (10 ET, Prime), Jan. 24 at Mavericks (8:30 ET, ABC)
What they’re saying
David Aldridge, The Athletic: “The Buss Family, God love ’em, ran the Lakers like a business, not a plaything/tax write-off. Walter’s largesse won’t be as industry-jarring in the NBA as it is in Major League Baseball, but if Walter’s spending on the Dodgers is any guide, the Lakers will get closer to the industry standard off the court under the new ownership. We’ll see if Ayton can still be a major difference maker after flaming out in Phoenix and Portland. Similarly, Smart isn’t what he was in Boston, but many advanced stats show he’s still one of the better defensive guards in the league – and he’s better defensively than anyone else L.A. can roll out. Losing DFS, though, is a blow.” (Read More)