Daryl Morey once captured his roster-building philosophy by saying that his goal was to “get more USA Basketball team members.” The 2024 Team USA roster strongly supports this strategy. The defending champion Boston Celtics are the only NBA team with three Team USA selections: Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White. The Phoenix Suns, despite having two selections (Devin Booker and Kevin Durant), have had mixed results. Historically, teams with multiple Team USA players, such as the 2021 Milwaukee Bucks with Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, tend to have success.
The Los Angeles Lakers boast two members of Team USA, and currently, one could argue that they have the two best members of Team USA in LeBron James and Anthony Davis, at least based on the exhibition games thus far. Anthony Davis has been a defensive force, accumulating 13 blocks in 88 minutes across five exhibitions, demonstrating his unmatched length and athleticism. LeBron James, acting as the team’s closer, has delivered in crucial moments, such as his late-game heroics to fend off South Sudan and secure a win over Germany. A straw poll conducted by The Athletic during Team USA’s training camp revealed James was voted the best player at camp.
While success with Team USA does not directly translate to NBA success, it highlights the elite capabilities of James and Davis. FIBA rules favor Davis’s style of play, allowing him to dominate the paint and make plays without worrying about goaltending. James, nearing 40, benefits from the support of other stars, allowing him to perform at peak levels in crucial moments. This raises the question: if they can dominate internationally, why have the Lakers struggled to maximize their potential?
The Lakers’ roster moves suggest awareness of their shortcomings. They fired their head coach and attempted to trade for Klay Thompson, indicating they know the 47-win team from last season needs improvement. Yet, nearly a month into free agency, their roster has seen minimal changes. Taurean Prince and Spencer Dinwiddie are out, replaced by rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. Relying on two rookies to elevate the team from the Play-In to the Finals is unrealistic. Furthermore, James and Davis missed 17 combined games last season, and the risk of more absences looms large given their ages and injury histories.
Despite their doubts, the Lakers’ front office appears hesitant to fully invest in supporting James and Davis or to break up the team. They haven’t traded their picks for veterans or vice versa. This indecision may stem from various factors, including the unpredictable nature of winning championships, which requires staying healthy, getting favourable matchups, and other variables.
The Lakers’ approach seems to be stalling rather than taking decisive action. If they don’t believe in their current roster’s championship potential, why not trade James and Davis for future assets? The Warriors showed interest in James at the deadline, and Davis could command a significant return. Instead, the Lakers appear to be waiting, which could lead to a mediocre season with around 40 wins and an early playoff exit.
The sentimental value of having LeBron James play with his son Bronny and eventually retire in a Lakers uniform might influence their decision. However, from a purely competitive standpoint, this strategy doesn’t maximize their championship potential. The Lakers’ reluctance to part with future picks, their failure to secure high-end supporting players, and their inability to offload minor contracts suggest a lack of clear direction.
Perhaps the Lakers plan to reassess mid-season, similar to their approach in the 2022-23 campaign. If James and Davis prove their worth, they might make moves at the deadline. However, with their proximity to the second apron, planning for improvement now seems prudent. The question remains: what is the Lakers’ long-term plan?
By retaining James and Davis without significant upgrades or rebuilding, the Lakers risk wasting the remaining prime years of their stars. If they don’t capitalize on their championship window now, they might look back at this period as a missed opportunity. The state of the Lakers’ franchise, reflected in their handling of James and Davis, highlights the urgent need for a clear and decisive strategy to either contend or rebuild.
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