As always, a lot will be on the line for the Los Angeles Lakers in the new season.
They need to win in a big way, especially since LeBron James is getting closer to retirement and their time with him is running out.
But can they do it with their projected starting five?
Legion Hoops compiled the team’s proposed starting five and it has some fans excited and others awfully nervous.
According to Legion Hoops, the starting five will consist of D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves holding down the backcourt, with LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Anthony Davis playing the other three roles.
Is that enough to improve their record from last season?
On X, some fans were quick to point out that this starting five went 22-10 to close out the season last year.
It’s a solid starting five that has chemistry and now another summer of practicing together.
But will that make a difference?
Other people feel the fact that it’s the same five we saw last year spells bad news for the Lakers.
“This team isn’t anything special,” one fan on X wrote.
Many pointed out that this group of five isn’t known for amazing defense, although Davis has been praised for his work on the boards.
Will this lead to other teams repeatedly blowing the Lakers out?
And, finally, some said that the starting five is okay but the bench is “concerning” because it lacks the sort of depth needed for a long season and a good playoff run.
The bench has certainly thinned out a bit and head coach JJ Redick will have to call upon players like Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, and even newcomers like Dalton Knecht and Bronny James.
There are several strong players in this starting five, including two future Hall of Famers.
But that might not be enough for the Lakers, especially with such a tough Western Conference.
