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The Los Angeles Lakers are a little over a month away from beginning their new era with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, with almost an entirely new team. LA will be right there hoping to compete in the Western Conference.
This is the first time in almost a decade that LeBron James will not be playing with them. It was reported first thing in free agency.
“LeBron James will return for an unprecedented 24th season in the NBA -- but it won't be with the Los Angeles Lakers. James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday,” ESPN wrote.
There is no doubt that the Lakers have the talent to make somewhat of a run, but it is a questionable championship roster without James, and it may have never been one with him. Michael Porter Jr. doesn’t have much faith in LA either.
“Yeah, I don't like that roster. To be a championship roster? I mean they might be solid, but I don't see them winning no chip,” Porter said.
Heading into training camp, the Lakers will be figuring out who they will have to cut. LA is currently one player over the allowed roster limit. However, training camp will also be about giving other players a chance to earn two-way contracts or something similar. On Thursday night, LA signed Anton Watson to an Exhibit 10 contract.
“The Lakers announced they have signed Anton Watson to an Exhibit 10 contract,” Lakers insider Jovan Buha posted.
This is a great opportunity for Watson, as he was drafted in 2024 by the Boston Celtics. It didn’t work out with them, so he went to the New York Knicks, where he played in fewer than 10 games.
The Lakers are giving Watson an opportunity, and even though he hasn’t played a ton in the NBA, he still has some intriguing tangibles in his game. He will have the chance to prove that he is deserving of a two-way deal.
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