Does the Los Angeles Lakers Success Depend on LeBron James Health? W/ Jovan Buha -The Homestand Show

Los Angeles Lakers reporter for The Athletic, Jovan Buha, joins The Homestand Show. Dennis Schroder has made his move to Toronto, leaving the Lakers. Reports suggested that the Lakers were interested in bringing him back, but that didn't materialize. Why did they decide to move on from him and choose Gabe Vincent instead?

According to sources, the Lakers believed that Gabe Vincent was a slightly better fit for them, particularly offensively. Vincent's three-point shooting and pull-up game were seen as valuable assets. Surrounding LeBron James and Anthony Davis with shooters is essential, as teams have consistently packed the paint against the Lakers in recent seasons. Schroder, although talented in various aspects, struggled as a three-point shooter, which impacted the Lakers' offense at times. The decision between Vincent and Schroder sparked internal discussions, with differing opinions. Ultimately, the Lakers chose Vincent, who also came at a slightly lower cost than Schroder's deal with Toronto.

Let's now shift our attention to the Raptors and the type of player they acquired in Dennis Schroder. Can he fit into the new Raptors culture, and what was his demeanour in the Lakers' locker room last season?

Schroder is expected to be a good fit for the Raptors' culture. Raptors fans can anticipate his trademark "freeze" celebration whenever he hits a three-pointer, a tradition that gained popularity within the Lakers last year. Beyond the celebration, Schroder is highly regarded for his defensive abilities. He applies full-court pressure on opposing ball handlers and disrupts plays in pick-and-rolls. His energetic playing style can be a game-changer. Notably, there was a play during his first season with the Lakers where he dove on the ground for a loose ball twice in the same possession, demonstrating his tenacity. Additionally, Schroder's presence in the Lakers' locker room was perceived positively. Despite initial doubts surrounding him, he proved himself on the court, earning the starting point guard spot and playing a crucial role in the playoffs. Overall, the Raptors are adding a valuable player who contributes on both ends of the court.

Let's now turn our focus back to the Lakers. The buzz surrounding them is continuity, as they retain the core that unexpectedly reached the Western Conference Finals last season. Additionally, they have made notable additions to their roster. 

The Lakers had an impressive free agency period, following through with their plans. General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations, Rob Pelinka, outlined their strategy in press conferences after the season. Their aim was to retain their young core, which they accomplished by keeping Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and D'Angelo Russell. They also focused on upgrading their supporting cast. Gabe Vincent, known for his shooting and clutch performances during the Heat's Finals run, is viewed as an excellent fit alongside LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Taurean Prince brings 3-and-D skills off the bench, an improvement over the revolving door of players in that role in the past. While some may have reservations about the signings of Jaxson Hayes and Cam Reddish, the Lakers have a track record of maximizing the potential of former lottery picks. These signings were relatively low-risk, and the Lakers have shown an ability to develop such players effectively. Looking ahead, the Lakers are still seeking another reliable big man for their 14th roster spot, someone they can trust in the playoffs as a backup to Anthony Davis. With such additions, the Lakers have had an impressive offseason, positioning themselves as top contenders in the West alongside Denver and Phoenix, assuming no major trades for a third star.