Bad News Piles Up for the Lakers: Season in Crisis Before It Even Begins?

The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a wave of setbacks even before the new NBA season tips off. In a matter of days, the team has been hit with multiple bad news items, raising concerns about their chances in the upcoming season. The first blow came with the uncertain status of Jarred Vanderbilt. According to Los Angeles journalist and sports analyst Mike Bresnahan, Vanderbilt is dealing with a foot injury that might prevent him from participating in the team’s training camp and possibly even the preseason.

Bresnahan noted, "When he got hurt in February, he chose not to have surgery during the season. I don't have many details, but the regular season is a different story. Hopefully, he'll be ready by then." Vanderbilt was acquired by the Lakers midway through the 2022-23 season and played a key role in helping them reach the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers were impressed enough to sign him to a four-year, $48 million extension last summer. However, Vanderbilt's performance last season fell short of expectations. The foot injury kept him sidelined for the first month of the season, and after playing for two months, he was once again out indefinitely due to the same issue. By the end of the season, Vanderbilt had appeared in just 29 games, averaging 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

At 25, Vanderbilt's strengths lie in his defensive capabilities, but his three-point shooting remains a glaring weakness, with a career average of just 29.0% from beyond the arc. If he can return to his 2022-23 form, the Lakers would certainly benefit. However, if his foot injury continues to plague him, the four-year, $48 million contract could become a significant burden for the team.

Adding to the Lakers' woes, Christian Wood has also been sidelined by injury. Just two weeks ago, Wood confidently posted on social media, "I'm back, fellas. Next season is going to be a revenge season." But as the new season approaches, it seems he's already been knocked off course. According to Lakers beat reporter Mike Trudell, Wood underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee today and will be re-evaluated in approximately eight weeks. While arthroscopic surgery on the knee is not considered a major procedure, Wood's stock was already low. Last season, he played in 50 games, averaging just 17.4 minutes per game, with 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds on 46.6% shooting from the field and 30.7% from three-point range.

Wood was once a centerpiece for the Houston Rockets just two years ago, but after a failed stint with the Dallas Mavericks and a diminished role with the Lakers last season, he has been reduced to a minimum-salary player. Expecting a minimum-salary player to elevate the Lakers' performance significantly seems unrealistic.

The Lakers’ offseason has been equally disappointing. Over the past two months, the team has not signed a single player to a guaranteed contract through free agency. Their most notable “acquisition” was signing Jordan Goodwin to a training camp deal. Goodwin, a backup guard who struggled with the Suns and put up decent numbers with the Grizzlies, hardly represents the kind of addition that moves the needle for a team with championship aspirations.

Initially, the Lakers' biggest hope was for their roster to stay healthy. But before the new season even begins, bad news has already started to trickle in, with Vanderbilt potentially missing the start of the season. There was also hope that Gabe Vincent, their biggest offseason acquisition with a three-year, $33 million deal, would make an impact. However, Vincent only played in 11 games last season, averaging 3.1 points and 1.9 assists on 30.6% shooting from the field and a dismal 10.7% from three-point range. Even if he stays healthy, it’s hard to see him bringing about a significant change.

Beyond these issues, there are other reasons for concern. LeBron James and Anthony Davis both participated in the Olympics, adding more mileage to their bodies. The last time both players had just two months of rest before starting a new season was after the Lakers won the championship in 2020. The following season, LeBron played only 45 games, the fewest in his career, while Davis fared even worse, appearing in just 36 games and seeing his performance decline sharply.

One of the Lakers' most perplexing moves this offseason was signing Max Christie to a four-year, $32 million extension. Christie, a second-round pick who averaged just 14.1 minutes per game last season with 4.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists, has not shown enough to warrant such a contract. His shooting efficiency was also concerning, with a 42.7% field goal percentage, 35.6% from three, and a true shooting percentage of 54.4%. It's also worth noting that LeBron James took a $2.65 million pay cut to help the team stay under the luxury tax threshold, while Christie received his full $32 million extension. This decision has raised eyebrows and sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.

Another factor that cannot be ignored is the arrival of Bronny James. LeBron’s dream of playing alongside his son in the NBA is well-documented, and many fans are eagerly anticipating that moment. However, there are concerns that Bronny’s presence could create tension within the Lakers’ locker room. While LeBron and Davis may not view it as an issue, players like D’Angelo Russell, Wood, and Cam Reddish are all in contract years. Wood and Reddish, in particular, are already struggling for playing time, and any shift in the rotation could lead to dissatisfaction.

Looking at the Western Conference landscape, it’s clear that the Lakers are facing an uphill battle. Young teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Dallas Mavericks are on the rise, while powerhouses like the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns remain strong. The Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, and New Orleans Pelicans are all competitive as well, with the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs showing signs of improvement. And let’s not forget, the Memphis Grizzlies are expected to return to full strength next season.

As long as the Lakers have LeBron and Davis, there is always a glimmer of hope for a championship. However, the past few seasons have shown that simply having those two stars is not enough. LeBron will turn 40 during the upcoming season, and when considering the current Western Conference landscape, the team’s offseason moves, the arrival of a new head coach, and the various issues plaguing their roster, it’s hard not to worry that the Lakers could be starting the season in "hell mode."