2024-2025 NBA season: a crucial test for the Los Angeles Lakers

The 2024-2025 NBA season will be a significant test for several franchises seeking a resurgence after recent underwhelming performances. Among these teams are the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite their success in the In-Season Tournament, the Lakers did not have an impressive regular season. Finishing seventh in the Western Conference with a record of 47 wins and 35 losses, Coach Darvin Ham's team had to compete in the Play-In Tournament to secure a playoff spot.

A victory against the New Orleans Pelicans allowed LeBron James and his teammates to extend their season. However, the playoffs, much like the regular season, did not favor the Lakers, who were easily eliminated in the first round in five games by the Denver Nuggets. Not even the numerous records set by LeBron James, including becoming the all-time leading scorer and being named MVP of the In-Season Tournament, could salvage a positive season.

Changes were necessary, and the first move by the California franchise was to part ways with Coach Darvin Ham. J.J. Redick, a former guard who retired from the NBA in 2021, has been brought in to replace him. Redick enjoyed a professional career spanning over fifteen seasons with teams like the Magic, Bucks, Clippers, 76ers, Pelicans, and Mavericks. He now embarks on a new and exciting adventure with a prestigious franchise like the Los Angeles Lakers.

The most notable addition to the Lakers' roster is undoubtedly Bronny James, who was selected with the 55th pick in the 2024 Draft. Bronny will play in the NBA alongside his father, LeBron, for the first time. Small forward Dalton Knecht was chosen with the 17th pick in the first round from Tennessee. More additions are expected as the roster will need adjustments to become more competitive, despite the presence of stars like Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell. Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Prince will not be returning, as they have joined the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks, respectively.

After the Summer League, where rookies had the opportunity to showcase their skills, it is now time to focus on the start of the regular season. The NBA season officially begins on October 22, with the schedules set to be announced in the coming weeks. The Lakers will not participate in events like the Abu Dhabi Games, Canada Series, Mexico City Game, and Paris Games. However, one thing is certain: given their history and tradition, the Lakers must soon return to competing for the title.