The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping for a big season after being prematurely knocked out of the playoffs last year. The team believes it has one of the best rosters in the NBA, featuring one of the league’s top trios and a hunger to win. Luka Dončić is focused on returning to the NBA Finals.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
NBA legend LeBron James hasn’t suited up yet, but he has been clear about his championship goals.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
One player who may no longer be part of that equation is Gabe Vincent, who appears to have run out of chances.
“Throw in the fact that Vincent has only played in 86 of a possible 170 games, and this signing was an absolute disaster for Rob Pelinka and the Lake Show. The Lakers want to compete for a championship and can’t do that playing Gabe Vincent 20-plus minutes every night. Sadly for Vincent, that means trading him before the Feb. 5 deadline to upgrade their roster,” Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts wrote.
Vincent has struggled since joining the Lakers. While he may have value elsewhere, Dalton Knecht seems to be regaining his form, which could leave Vincent without a role in LA.
The Lakers will closely monitor Vincent’s situation, but the outlook doesn’t look promising for his future in Los Angeles.