LA Lakers Players: In spite of being swept, the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most legendary teams in NBA history, enjoyed some success last season by reaching the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers are at the beginning of yet another interesting chapter in their famous history as they pursue a title as we begin the 2023–24 NBA season.
The team’s squad is as exciting as ever, blending seasoned veterans and bright new stars. The top 10 current LA Lakers players who are expected to have an influence in the 2023–24 season will be examined in more detail in this article.
The Lakers have put together a team with seasoned superstars and budding prospects to bring success back to the Staples Centre. Here are the top 10 LA Lakers players as of right now.
The Top 10 LA Lakers Players For 2023–24
1. LeBron James
2022-23 Statistics: 28.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 6.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
The Lakers’ chances of winning a championship hinge on Anthony Davis, but LeBron James remains the team’s finest player. LeBron will be 39 years old next season, and while he is unsure if he will retire after the season, it appears he will give it his best in 2023–24. It is difficult to rule out that he will remain a top-10 player in the world based on what he accomplished last year.
LeBron James put on yet another outstanding performance in the 2022–23 season, scoring an astounding 28.9 points per game on average. His ability to score, especially while going for the rim, is still unmatched. Beyond only scoring, LeBron also showed his versatility as a facilitator and rebounder by averaging 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game. James averaged 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game throughout the playoffs while shooting 49.8%.
The Lakers will be in a fantastic position to be a serious title contender if Davis stays healthy and James does not lose too much time. LeBron is a top-10 player in the world going into the new season, and given how excellent he was the previous one, don’t rule out The King continuing to be the greatest player on the Lakers.
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2. Anthony Davis
2022-23 Statistics: 25.9 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.0 BPG
Although it still isn’t entirely accurate, LeBron James’ claim that superstar big man Anthony Davis is the face of the team demonstrates how much the Lakers’ season rests on how well the former No. 1 overall choice performs. When Davis was healthy, he was unstoppable, recording a fantastic double-double throughout the regular season. However, Davis has had a lot of trouble with injuries. Davis has a dismal record in games played with the Lakers: 62, 36, 40, and 56.
Assuming all other variables remain the same, the Lakers will comfortably hold a top-three spot in the Western Conference if Davis is healthy and performing as he should. Because of his strong scoring, rebounding, and defensive abilities, Davis is a crucial component of the Lakers’ championship hopes. Although his offence is readily apparent, the Lakers’ season will be made or broken by his defence.
Anthony Davis is a game-changer on defence, recording 1.1 steals and a powerful 2.0 blocks per game. He is a challenge for opposing offences because of his shot-blocking skills and defensive awareness both within the paint and on the perimeter. Davis showed exactly how excellent he can be throughout the postseason by averaging 14.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 3.1 blocks per game.
3. Austin Reaves
2022-23 Statistics: 13.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
The third player on our list of the top 10 LA Lakers players for the 2023–24 season is Austin Reaves, who made a huge impact on both sides of the court during the 2022–23 campaign. Reaves is an important part of the Lakers’ team because of his influence on every facet of basketball, and following his outstanding performance with Team USA, the young athlete is here to get better.
Reaves demonstrated his guard-scoring ability the season before, averaging 13.0 points per game. His 3.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game showed his enhanced adaptability. The undrafted player’s postseason statistics of 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game show that he can be counted on to perform under pressure.
Austin Reaves is unique in that he can consistently contribute as a scorer and a coordinator. Reaves’ flexibility and basketball IQ will be crucial as the Lakers attempt to traverse the difficulties of the Western Conference, whether it is by setting up scoring opportunities for teammates or stepping up as a scorer when necessary. Reaves, who may contend for an All-Star place, is primed to play a significant part in the Lakers’ quest for victory in the 2023–24 campaign.
4. D’Angelo Russell
2022-23 Statistics: 17.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Last year’s postseason wasn’t the finest for D’Angelo Russell, who only averaged 13.3 points per game while shooting 42.6% from the field and 31.0% from three. He is an attacking player who is naturally skilled and a previous All-Star, so his talent is clear to observe. Russell scored 17.8 points per game on average during the regular season, and in 2024, he should maintain that pace.
At point guard, Russell will face fierce competition from Gabe Vincent, which will inspire him to improve. The former No. 2 overall pick’s initial tenure with the Lakers from 2016 to 2017 did not go well because he was moved after only two seasons, but he is back and is determined to show that he is the long-term answer. Russell, the fourth-best player on the Lakers, still has plenty of time to realise his potential at the age of 27.
5. Rui Hachimura
2022-23 Statistics: 11.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Rui Hachimura, another great player, was a fantastic addition to the Lakers club in the previous year. Hachimura, who is only 25 years old and 6’8″ and 230 pounds, is not only a strong presence in the paint but also a confident scorer. In other words, with the Purple and Gold and LeBron James at his side, the Japanese national will only become better.
Hachimura displayed his scoring skills in the 2022–23 season by averaging 11.2 points per game. His offensive repertoire is broad, and it includes three-point shooting, mid-range shots, and rim-attacking skills. The striker has to increase his percentage from beyond the arc, but as he becomes more comfortable with Darvin Ham’s offence, he will have greater opportunities.
6. Jarred Vanderbilt
2022-23 Statistics: 7.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Following the trade deadline, Jarred Vanderbilt enjoyed a breakout season with the Lakers last year, establishing himself as a vital starter. In the regular season, the forward started 24 of the 26 games he participated in for the Lakers, and he was even more crucial in the playoffs. In all honesty, Vanderbilt is one of the most adaptable defenders in the starting lineup.
The Lakers will need Jarred Vanderbilt’s vigour, rebounding, and defensive skills if they are to once again be considered Western Conference contenders. He contributes to the club with a hustle and work spirit that are frequently essential to victory, particularly in crucial postseason games. The 24-year-old will grow even better and should improve his three-point shot (32.2% last season) now that he has advanced to the Western Conference Finals.
7. Gabe Vincent
2022-23 Statistics: 9.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG
In the previous season, Reaves demonstrated his guard-scoring ability by averaging 13.0 points per game. His 3.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game contributions demonstrated his increasing versatility. The undrafted rookie proved his dependability as a player in key moments throughout the postseason with averages of 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
Gabe Vincent is a solid defender who averaged 0.9 steals per game in 2023. His capacity to obstruct passing lanes and exert pressure on rival ball handlers gives the Lakers’ defensive strategies an essential new dimension.
The Nigerian playmaker plays ethically, therefore he will be a reliable option anytime D’Angelo Russell is taking a break. Vincent has only been in the league for four seasons, but he already has a tonne of postseason experience.
8. Jaxson Hayes
2022-23 Statistics: 5.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Jaxson Hayes had some turmoil while playing for the New Orleans Pelicans last year, but the Lakers made a wise choice by signing him this offseason. Hayes, a 6’11” big man with exceptional verticality, will support Anthony Davis in the frontcourt in a crucial way. Hayes averaged 5.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per game last year. It’s crucial to remember that his influence goes beyond the scoreboard.
He’s already a fan favourite thanks to his exceptional quickness, shot-blocking prowess (0.4 blocks per game), and talent for highlight-reel dunks. Additionally, his 0.7 assists per game show that he is eager to participate in the team’s offensive plans. Hayes, who is only 23 years old, will study Anthony Davis to learn how to become a valuable paint player.
9. Cam Reddish
2022-23 Statistics: 9.7 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Cam Reddish was added during the summer, and given that he was a strong player for Duke University and was selected with the tenth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draught, he could turn out to be a steal. Because he did not get enough opportunities with the New York Knicks or Portland Trail Blazers last season (24.8 minutes per game), Lakers supporters are thrilled about his potential and flexibility on both sides of the court.
Reddish showed his capacity to have an effect on the game in numerous areas throughout the 2022–23 season. He has shown flashes of scoring ability, notably from beyond the arc, while averaging 9.7 points per game. Reddish has shown his defensive skills, capable of interrupting opponents’ plays and converting defence into offence, with 1.0 steals and 0.4 blocks per game. He should perform better with the Lakers since he will have more responsibilities coming off the bench.
10. Taurean Prince
Taurean Prince has earned his spot as one of the top 10 players on the Los Angeles Lakers roster for the 2023–24 season because of his adaptable skill set and capacity to have an influence on games on both sides of the floor. Prince gave the Lakers a scoring boost off the bench in the previous season, averaging 9.1 points per game.
He is a useful asset in today’s NBA because of his ability to spread the floor with his three-point shooting (38.1%) and contribute on the defensive end with steals and the odd block. Taurean Prince’s energy, defensive toughness, and timely scoring have regularly made a difference for the Lakers, even though his individual numbers may not always steal the show.
Prince’s services as a role player will surely be essential to the team’s quest for success in the 2023–24 season as it attempts to maintain its place in the tough Western Conference.
The Top 10 LA Lakers Players For 2023–24. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
