After an up-and-down season that ultimately ended with a first-round playoff exit to the defending champion Denver Nuggets, the Lakers are looking ahead at what should prove to be quite an interesting offseason. On May 3rd, L.A. pulled the trigger on its’ first major change with the decision to fire head coach Darvin Ham along with his entire staff. 

While the move was expected, there remains a looming question of whether any of the potentially available candidates will be able to propel the legendary franchise back into championship contention. However, by far, the biggest question surrounding the Lakers and the entire NBA in the summer of ‘24 is what team 39-year-old LeBron James will be playing for in October.

James finished his 21st season as still one of the best players in the league, averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds over 71 games played. James refused to answer questions regarding his future following the Lakers’ game five defeat, simply stating, “I’m not going to answer that,” before walking out of the press conference. Recent reports have indicated that James intends to opt out of his current contract and enter free agency. 

This will give him three options: sign a new deal with the Lakers, sign with a new team, or retire. In spite of the apparent uncertainty surrounding James’ future in L.A., Fox Sports’ odds still has the Lakers as the overwhelming favorite to be the team he suits up for at the start of next season at -320. Interestingly enough, the Lakers are also favored to draft the superstar’s son and namesake, Bronny James, at +185.

Assuming that James re-signs, the Lakers will likely want to build around him and 9-time All-Star Anthony Davis, who is coming off one of his most productive seasons. D’Angelo Russell, who was L.A.’s third most productive player this season, is likely to opt out of his contract to test free agency. 

Key role players such as Spencer Dinwiddie, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, and several others are also all scheduled to be free agents this summer. All of these expiring contracts mean that it’s probable that there will be a considerable amount of roster turnover by the time next season rolls around.

It’s been speculated that the Lakers could be in the market for a new star to form a big three with James and Davis. The name that is being thrown around the most is that of Atlanta’s Trae Young. While the Hawks have been quick to dismiss any trade talks regarding Young in the past, this offseason seems to be the time when it’s most likely to happen. Atlanta was one of this season’s more disappointing teams, finishing 10th in the mediocre Eastern Conference and losing in the play-in tournament to the Bulls. 

Signs are pointing to a potential rebuild in Atlanta and, as their most valuable asset, Young would probably be the first guy to be shipped out in that scenario. On the other side of the equation, Young would fit perfectly with the Lakers. L.A. is in desperate need of a consistent 3-point shooter, having ranked in the bottom half of the league in team 3-point percentage in the 2023-24 season. The potential addition of Young would also mean that LeBron will no longer have to be the Lakers’ primary ball handler and allow him to revert back to his natural position in the front court more frequently.

Before free agency or the occurrence of any offseason trades, the Lakers will hire their 27th head coach in franchise history. Seven of the previous 26 have come since 2011, and none of those 7 lasted more than three seasons. The rumored list of possible candidates is quite extensive, featuring the likes of Tyronn Lue, JJ Redick, Mike Budenholzer, and Kenny Atkinson. Reports suggest that Lue would be their first choice; however, he is currently under contract with the Clippers until the end of the 2024-25 season. 

While Redick has also been linked heavily to the Lakers vacancy, he has no prior coaching experience, a factor which should make them hesitant to think he’s the guy to lead them back to title contention. According to FanDuel, Budenholzer is the current betting favorite to be the next head coach for the Lakers at +195. His pedigree is arguably the best of the four names listed, having won a championship just three years ago as coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Regardless of who the Lakers ultimately decide to hire, there will certainly be an element of risk associated with each of the options.

It should prove to be an interesting summer…