The Los Angeles Lakers will be in the spotlight next season and here are the 10 best players on the team in 2023-24.
The Los Angeles Lakers have long been one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, and they had some success last season by making the Western Conference Finals in 2022-23 despite getting swept. As we dive into the 2023-24 NBA season, the Lakers find themselves in the midst of yet another intriguing chapter in their illustrious history as they aim to win the championship.
With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talents, the team’s lineup is as captivating as ever. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 current Los Angeles Lakers players who are set to make an impact in the 2023-24 season.
From established superstars to rising stars, the Lakers have assembled a squad that hopes to bring glory back to the Staples Center. Without further ado, here are the 10 best current Los Angeles Lakers players.
10. Taurean Prince
Credit: Fadeaway World
2022-23 Statistics: 9.1 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Taurean Prince, with his versatile s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, has earned his place as one of the top 10 players on the Los Angeles Lakers roster for the 2023-24 season. In the previous season, Prince averaged 9.1 points per game, providing a scoring spark off the bench for the Lakers.
His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting (38.1%) and contribute on the defensive end with steals and the occasional block make him a valuable asset in today’s NBA. While his individual statistics may not always steal the spotlight, Taurean Prince’s energy, defensive tenacity, and timely scoring have consistently made a difference for the Lakers.
As the team looks to solidify its position in the competitive Western Conference, Prince’s contributions as a role player will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their pursuit of success in the 2023-24 season.
9. Cam Reddish
Credit: Fadeaway World
2022-23 Statistics: 9.7 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Cam Reddish was brought in during the offseason and he might end up being a steal considering he was a standout player for Duke University and was drafted No. 10 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. His growing potential and versatility on both ends of the court have Lakers fans excited about his future contributions because he was not given enough chances with the New York Knicks or Portland Trail Blazers last season (24.8 minutes per game).
In the 2022-23 season, Reddish demonstrated his ability to make an impact in various facets of the game. Averaging 9.7 points per game, he showed glimpses of scoring prowess, particularly from beyond the arc. With 1.0 steals and 0.4 blocks per game, Reddish displayed his defensive instincts, capable of disrupting opponents’ plays and turning defense into offense. With the Lakers, he should be a better player because he will have more responsibility off the bench.
8. Jaxson Hayes
Credit: Fadeaway World
2022-23 Statistics: 5.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Jaxson Hayes dealt with some drama last season as a member of the New Orleans Pelicans, but he was a great pickup by the Lakers this offseason. A 6’11” big man with elite verticality, Hayes will play an important backup role to Anthony Davis in the frontcourt. Last season, Hayes averaged 5.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. However, it’s important to note that his impact extends beyond the box score.
His impressive athleticism, shot-blocking ability (0.4 blocks per game), and knack for making highlight-reel dunks have already made him a fan favorite. Furthermore, his 0.7 assists per game indicate his willingness to be involved in the team’s offensive schemes. At only 23 years old, Hayes will learn from Anthony Davis how to be an impact paint player.
7. Gabe Vincent
Credit: Fadeaway World
2022-23 Statistics: 9.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Gabe Vincent earns the seventh spot on our list of the top 10 Los Angeles Lakers players for the 2023-24 season. Last year, Vincent showcased his s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s by averaging 9.4 points per game and acting as the starting point guard for the Miami Heat, which made the NBA Finals. Having him as a backup point guard means the Lakers will have plenty of competition at the point guard position.
Defensively, Gabe Vincent is no slouch, with 0.9 steals per game in 2023. His ability to disrupt passing lanes and apply pressure on opposing ball handlers adds an important dimension to the Lakers’ defensive schemes.
The Nigerian playmaker plays the right way, which means he will be a steady presence whenever D’Angelo Russell is on the bench resting. Expect big things from Vincent because he has plenty of playoff experience despite being in the league for only four seasons.
Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 7.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Jarred Vanderbilt had a breakout campaign with the Lakers last season, proving to be a valuable starter following the trade deadline. The forward started 24 out of the 26 games he played for the Lakers in the regular season and was even more important in the playoffs. Quite frankly, there are very few versatile defenders in the starting lineup that are better than Vanderbilt.
As the Lakers aim to establish themselves as contenders in the Western Conference again, Jarred Vanderbilt’s energy, rebounding, and defensive prowess will be pivotal. He brings a blue-collar work ethic and hustle to the team, traits that are often instrumental in winning games, especially during high-stakes playoff matchups. With a Western Conference Finals berth under his belt, the 24-year-old will get even better and should improve his three-point shot (32.2% last season).
5. Rui Hachimura
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 11.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Another breakout player and terrific addition to the Lakers team last season, Rui Hachimura is almost untouchable. At 6’8” and 230 lbs, Hachimura is not only a powerful figure in the paint but a confident scorer who is only 25 years old. In other words, the Japanese national will only get better with the Purple and Gold and with LeBron James beside him.
In the 2022-23 season, Hachimura averaged 11.2 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess. He has a diverse offensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set that includes mid-range jumpers, three-point shooting, and the ability to attack the rim. The forward needs to improve on his 31.9% clip from deep, but he will get better looks as he gets more acclimated in Darvin Ham’s offense.
4. D’Angelo Russell
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 17.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
D’Angelo Russell did not have the best postseason last year, averaging only 13.3 points per game on 42.6% from the field and 31.0% from three. However, his talent is there to see because he is a former All-Star and a naturally gifted offensive player. Russell averaged 17.8 points per game in the regular season and he should hover around those numbers again in 2024.
Russell will also have stiff competition from Gabe Vincent at the point guard spot and that will push him to be better. The former No. 2 overall pick’s first stint with the Lakers between 2016 and 2017 did not end up well as he was traded after only two seasons, but he is back and wants to prove that he is the long-term solution. As a 27-year-old, Russell still has plenty of time to reach his potential as the fourth-best player on the Lakers.
3. Austin Reaves
Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 13.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Austin Reaves, with his impressive contributions on both ends of the court during the 2022-23 season, is the third player on our list of the top 10 Los Angeles Lakers players for the 2023-24 season. Reaves’ well-rounded game and ability to impact various facets of basketball make him a valuable asset to the Lakers’ roster and after his terrific showing with Team USA, the young man is here to improve.
In the previous season, Reaves averaged 13.0 points per game, showcasing his scoring ability as a guard. He also contributed 3.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, showcasing his improved versatility. In the postseason, the undrafted player put up 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game which shows he is a trustworthy player in big games.
What sets Austin Reaves apart is his ability to be a reliable contributor both as a scorer and a facilitator. As the Lakers aim to navigate the challenges of the Western Conference, Reaves’ versatility and basketball IQ will be essential, whether it’s creating scoring opportunities for teammates or stepping up as a scorer when needed. Reaves is poised to play a crucial role in the Lakers’ pursuit of success in the 2023-24 season as he might push for an All-Star spot.
2. Anthony Davis
Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 25.9 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.0 BPG
LeBron James stated that superstar big man Anthony Davis is the face of the franchise, and while that still isn’t quite true, it shows how the Lakers’ season depends on how well the former No. 1 overall pick. Davis was dominant when healthy, posting a terrific double-double in the regular season, but he has struggled tremendously with injuries. Davis’ record of games with the Lakers is disappointing: 62, 36, 40, and 56.
If Davis is healthy and playing as well as he should, the Lakers will easily occupy a top-three seed in the Western Conference assuming all other factors are constant. After all, with a formidable combination of scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess, Davis is a cornerstone of the Lakers’ championship aspirations. While his offense is clearly there to see, his defense is what will make or break the Lakers’ season.
Defensively, Anthony Davis is a game-changer, tallying 1.1 steals and a formidable 2.0 blocks per game. His shot-blocking ability and defensive instincts in both the paint and on the perimeter make him a nightmare for opposing offenses. In the playoffs, Davis averaged 14.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 3.1 blocks per game which shows just how good he can be.
1. LeBron James
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Statistics: 28.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 6.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Anthony Davis holds the key to the Lakers championship aspirations, but the best player on the team is still The King, LeBron James. LeBron will be 39 years old next season and while he does not know if he is retiring following the season, it seems he will be going all-in for the 2023-24 campaign. Based on what he did last year, it is hard to put it past him that he will still be a top-10 player in the world.
In the 2022-23 season, LeBron James delivered yet another stellar performance, averaging an astonishing 28.9 points per game. His scoring ability particularly in attacking the rim, remains unparalleled. LeBron’s contributions extend beyond just scoring, as he averaged 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game, showcasing his prowess as a playmaker and rebounder. In the playoffs, James posted 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game on 49.8% shooting.
If Davis is healthy and James does not miss much time, the Lakers will be in a great spot to be a legitimate title contender. LeBron is heading into the new campaign with the title of a top-10 player in the world and based on how good he was last season, do not put it past The King to continue being the best player on the Lakers.
