Lakers training camp preview: 5 storylines to monitor

The Lakers’ roster to start the 2024-25 season will look very similar to the one that ended 2023-24.

And the starting lineup, which was revealed by new coach JJ Redick last week, that ended last season will also be the same starting unit entering training camp.

But that doesn’t mean camp won’t be eventful. Or that there aren’t still questions that need to be answered after the Lakers’ disappointing 2023-24.

Here are five storylines to follow as the Lakers enter camp, with their first preseason game set for Friday night in Palm Springs against the Minnesota Timberwolves:

Anthony Davis’ usage

During his introductory news conference in late June, Redick first publicly mentioned using Davis more as an offensive “hub.”

“There’s a bunch of guys at the five position in the NBA that sort of operate in that way,” Redick said at the time. “I don’t know that he’s been used in that way and sort of maximized all of his abilities.”

Keeping Davis involved offensively and taking advantage of his growth as a playmaker and decision-maker is a priority for Redick, especially with Davis coming off a season in which he was named to the All-NBA second team – his first All-NBA nod since the 2019-20 season.

Redick offered more insight earlier in the week into what he meant by using Davis as a hub.

“When I say ‘hub’, that may be out of the post, that may be in isolation, that may be out of our split action [or] that may be in early offense in the trail position,” Redick explained on Wednesday during an interview with 710 AM (ESPN LA). “There’s plenty of ways we can get him the ball, and he’s going to have the ball.”

Davis’ frontcourt touches (41.4) and the number of minutes he possessed the ball per game (2.8) were up in 2023-24 compared to 2022-23, but they were less than other big man hubs such as Denver’s Nikola Jokic (55.4; 4.8), Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis (54.3; 3.7) and Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid (53.8; 3.4).

What does a Lakers’ offense look like with Davis operating as even more of a focal point than he already is?

LeBron James’ shooting

James, who is entering his 22nd NBA season, had a career year from behind the arc, knocking down 41% of his 5.1 3-point attempts per game.

Redick wants to see James attempt even more 3-pointers.

Nearly one-fourth (26%) of James’ shot attempts came from 3-point range last season, tied for his least amount since joining the Lakers in 2018.

“[He] and I have joked about this, but he shot over 40 percent from three this year – I want him shooting threes,” Redick said in June.

Redick has also spoken about James playing off the ball more, clarifying during a Tuesday episode of “The Lowe Post” that it doesn’t mean he’ll be less involved offensively.

“It’s funny because I think when people hear that in regards to LeBron playing off the ball, it doesn’t mean he’s not going to have the ball,” Redick said. “LeBron is one of the smartest players. Using him as a screener and finding ways to get him the ball in specific spots on the floor where he can be a facilitator and scorer, that’s what I mean by being off the ball.”

With Davis and Austin Reaves expected to have more on-ball responsibilities, James could receive more catch-and-shoot/spot-up opportunities – areas he was elite in last season.

Jarred Vanderbilt’s injury

After missing all but 29 games in 2023-24 because of left heel bursitis (inflammation) and a sprained right midfoot, Vanderbilt had procedures on both his feet after last season ended and his status for the start of 2024-25 hasn’t been determined.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka last week expressed optimism that Vanderbilt will be available to start the regular season.

But after missing significant time last season, it’s fair to wonder how much individual development Vanderbilt could have made.

Even coming off the bench, Vanderbilt is one of the Lakers’ more valuable players. He’s arguably the team’s second-best defender behind Davis. But his shooting and finishing at the rim remained areas of improvement.

And if Vanderbilt isn’t available to start the season, or is on a minutes restriction, how will that impact the rest of the rotation?

The rookies

As expected, Bronny James has received most of the attention from the Lakers’ draft class.

But will Dalton Knecht, the Lakers’ first-round pick, have a role in the rotation from Day 1?

Knecht showcased his scoring versatility during summer league, and Redick has highlighted Knecht’s ability as a movement shooter and potential three-level scorer.

The Lakers finished eighth in 3-point percentage (37.7%) but 28th in attempts (31.4) last season. Knecht could provide the Lakers with a necessary boost in attempts.

Offensive rebounding

The Lakers have been one of the league’s worst offensive rebounding teams over the last few years, including grabbing the fewest offensive rebounds per game last season (8.2) and having the second-worst offensive rebounding rate (24.4%) in the league.

Redick has mentioned this as an area he wants to shore up, specifically naming Rui Hachimura and Max Christie as players who could help with crashing the offensive glass from the corners.

Will the change in philosophy yield better results?