The Los Angeles Lakers were supposed to be much better this season, with upgraded depth to help escape the early struggles of last season. Instead, they've gotten off to a 1-2 start and several of the players signed or re-signed this summer have looked like a disaster. Things could change, but the Lakers might already have buyers remorse on these three.
3. D'Angelo Russell
In the aftermath of last season's trade deadline, D'Angelo Russell was brought to LA. He spent his first two NBA seasons with the Lakers as a point guard. However, after a rocky start to the 23-24 season, the question remains — what will Russell's future hold?
During last year's regular season, D'Lo averaged 17 points, six assists, and almost three rebounds in 17 games for the Los Angeles Lakers. Russell also shot a healthy 48 percent from the field and 41 percent from beyond the arc. Then, during the Lakers' 16-game postseason run, Russell's efficiency dropped. His field goal and 3-point percentage dipped from 41 percent to 31 percent. Now, three games into the 2023-24 season, Russell's numbers continue to dip.
The Lakers re-signed D'Angelo Russell in July. According to Spotrac, Russell signed a two-year contract worth $36 million. The contract included a 2024-25 player's option and $1.4 million in incentives. Hopefully, this is just an unlucky string of games for D'Lo. Because, as of now, the Lakers are 1-2 and Russell is shooting 22 percent from 3-point range and has yet to shoot higher than 38.5 percent from the field. Though he's still averaging 14 points, 7 assists, and three rebounds, Russell isn't playing the high-level, crafty, and decisive style of play we're used to. All in all, D'Angelo Russell's performance thus far this season has been underwhelming and something he will need to address quickly.
2. Gabe Vincent
This summer, there was a lot of buzz about the Lakers signing Gabe Vincent, especially after his outstanding postseason performance with the Miami Heat. In last year's playoffs, Vincent averaged nearly 13 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 rebounds. He also shot 40 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from deep. This July, Vincent signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Lakers. Unfortunately, playoff Gabe Vincent is nowhere to be found.
Three games into the regular season, Gabe Vincent has consistently underperformed for the purple and gold. He's shooting an astounding 0 percent from beyond the arc. Yep, you read that right. Vincent is 0-11 on the season so far — and that's not to say he hasn't shot the ball either. With a total of 89 minutes logged, Vincent has only contributed 15 points, 10 assists, and four rebounds. To put those numbers in perspective, LeBron James finished with 27 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists just in last night's loss to the Sacramento Kings.
As of now, Vincent is shooting 33.3 percent from the field, and hasn't really looked comfortable with the Lakers yet. It is an 82-game season and Vincent still has time to prove himself, but it's safe to say the Lakers are definitely regretting their decision right now. Especially since the lack of 3-point shooting from Vincent is clearly a major factor in the team's early season struggles.
1. Cam Reddish
Cam Reddish's minutes have been dwindling every night, and it isn't because the Lakers are blowing teams out. Despite playing for four different teams in seven seasons, many thought Reddish would be a good fit for the Lakers. Reddish signed a two-year, $4.63 million contract with Los Angeles this July. However, if his first three games are any indication, things aren't running as smoothly as Reddish and the Lakers had hoped.
Reddish played 35 minutes in his first three games combined. After 35 minutes, Reddish contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and one block. Keep in mind, that's through three games. Despite Cam's willingness to take shots, he's not always efficient, as he's shooting 17 percent from 3 this season. For instance, during the Laker's last game at Sacramento, Reddish finished with one rebound and shot 0-of-2 from the field.
On paper, Reddish should help this Lakers team in many ways. He's a 6-foot-7 wing, with athleticism and skills at both ends of the floor. However, to many's disappointment, it's mainly been the same from Cam Reddish so far.