Ranking Los Angeles Lakers Players Into 14 Different Categories Ahead Of 2024-25 Season

The 2024-25 Los Angeles Lakers will have a rather interesting roster headlined by LeBron James and Anthony Davis . Expectations are high for them but they might not have the depth chart to compete with the likes of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, and Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference. Regardless, the Lakers' roster can be split into 14 different categories to make an interesting breakdown of their depth chart.

Best All-Around Player: LeBron James

LeBron James continues to defy Father Time, maintaining his status as the Lakers' most complete player. At 39, he averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, demonstrating his all-around dominance. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, create opportunities for teammates, and control the game’s tempo is unparalleled.

James' versatility allows him to switch between positions such as point guard and forward seamlessly, providing flexibility to the Lakers' lineups. Whether he's driving to the basket, posting up smaller defenders, or orchestrating the offense, LeBron's ability to influence multiple facets of the game keeps him a cut above his peers.

Most Underrated: Jarred Vanderbilt

Jarred Vanderbilt is one of the Lakers' most indispensable players even if he only had 29 appearances due to injury last season. Thanks to his defensive versatility, Vanderbilt’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet. His 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in 2023-24 only tell part of the story; Vanderbilt often took on the toughest defensive assignments, guarding everyone from point guards to power forwards.

Looking ahead to next season, Vanderbilt’s ability to switch defensively without losing a step made him crucial to the Lakers’ schemes, yet he rarely gets the recognition his play deserves. He is a high-energy player who excels at cutting to the basket, providing second-chance opportunities, and making smart plays that don't show up in the box score. Hopefully, he can stay healthy to prove his worth for the Lakers.

Most Overrated: D’Angelo Russell

D’Angelo Russell’s return to the Lakers has been marked by inconsistency, and his 2023-24 season highlighted some of his limitations. While he posted a solid 18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game, his drop-off in the playoffs was glaring—averaging 14.2 points and 4.2 assists per game on only 38.4% from the field. Russell’s shot selection and defensive lapses often put the Lakers in tough situations and he has to correct that.

Despite his offensive talent, Russell’s inconsistency as a scorer and defender makes him somewhat overrated. The Lakers needed a steady presence at point guard, but Russell’s inconsistency, especially in critical moments, showed that he might not be the answer. Hopefully, Russell can maintain his regular season play into the postseason next year.

Best Shooter: LeBron James

It might be crazy because LeBron James hasn’t been the best shooter on his team throughout his career but he has to be considered the best marksman on the Lakers heading into the 2023-24 season. The King shot a scintillating 54.0% from the field and a career-high 41.0% from three, meaning he was the most reliable when it came to getting buckets efficiently.

James has improved his outside jumper considerably as he has aged and this past season was proof of that. If James can nail at least 40% of his three-pointers again, the Lakers have a chance to surprise teams in the West but that could also signal another problem that the team lacks enough shooters.

Best Post Scorer: Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis solidified his reputation as the Lakers' best post scorer last season, averaging 24.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. His footwork and finesse in the paint are complemented by his ability to finish through contact, making him a nightmare matchup for opposing big men. Davis shot an efficient 55.6% from the field, utilizing a mix of hooks, fades, and power moves to dominate the low block.

Davis' versatility also shines when he steps out to the mid-range, where his quick first step and length allow him to get past defenders. However, his bread and butter remain the post-up situations, where his combination of size, skill, and touch makes him nearly impossible to defend one-on-one. LeBron James cuts it close because he can power through defenders in the post, but Davis is more skilled when it comes to moves.

Best Handles: D’Angelo Russell

When it comes to ball-handling, D’Angelo Russell stands out among the Lakers' roster. His ability to create separation off the dribble and navigate through traffic is critical in breaking down defenses. This skill contributed to his 6.3 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, showing his ability to orchestrate the offense.

LeBron James cuts it close because of his ball control but Russell's handle allows him to probe defenses, get to his spots, and execute in pick-and-roll situations as a natural point guard. While his scoring can be inconsistent, his dribbling skills are a key reason the Lakers rely on him to initiate the offense.

Best Passer: LeBron James

LeBron James is not just the Lakers' best passer; he remains one of the best in NBA history. His court vision and ability to read defenses are unparalleled, leading to 8.3 assists per game last season. James has a knack for making the right play at the right time, whether it's threading the needle through traffic or executing a perfect lob to a cutting teammate.

What separates LeBron from other great passers is his ability to anticipate plays before they happen. He consistently turns double-teams into opportunities, often finding shooters in the corner or big men rolling to the basket. Heading into next season, even if D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves can dribble the ball, James has the edge.

Best Perimeter Defender: Jarred Vanderbilt

Jarred Vanderbilt's defensive prowess is a key asset for the Lakers, particularly on the perimeter. In the 2023-24 season, Vanderbilt often took on the challenge of guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player when he was available. His length, agility, and defensive IQ allowed him to average 1.2 steals per game while regularly contesting shots and disrupting passing lanes.

Vanderbilt's defensive impact extends beyond individual matchups. His ability to switch and guard multiple positions enabled the Lakers to deploy more aggressive defensive schemes. Again, we hope Vanderbilt can stay healthy and show that he can be elite on the defensive end.

Best Post Defender: Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis remains the anchor of the Lakers' defense, particularly in the paint. In the 2023-24 season, Davis averaged 2.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per game, showcasing his ability to protect the rim and deter shots inside. His length, timing, and agility make him one of the league's premier shot-blockers and an intimidating presence for any player looking to score in the post.

Davis also excels in pick-and-roll defense, where his mobility allows him to hedge hard or switch onto guards without being a liability. His defensive versatility makes him the Lakers' most reliable post defender, which is why he finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season.

Most Athletic: LeBron James

Even approaching his 40th birthday, LeBron James remains the Lakers' most athletic player. His athleticism is not just about vertical leaping ability—although he still throws down highlight-reel dunks—but also about his power, speed, and endurance. In the 2023-24 season, he played 71 games, logging 35.3 minutes per game, and still managed to maintain a high level of play on both ends of the floor.

LeBron’s athleticism allows him to attack the basket relentlessly, draw fouls, and finish through contact. As we saw in the 2024 Olympics as well, LeBron James is still one of the strongest players in the world and his athleticism is still off the charts.

Worst Starter: Rui Hachimura

Rui Hachimura had a somewhat inconsistent 2023-24 season, which is why he’s pegged as the Lakers’ worst starter heading into the next season. Despite averaging 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in the regular season, Hachimura struggled with consistency in the playoffs. The Japanese-born forward only posted 7.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in the playoffs which simply won’t cut it.

Hachimura is not a bad player by any means, but he isn’t better than D’Angelo Russell or Austin Reaves on the Lakers who will likely start alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Hachimura has a chance to prove he can be a solid fourth option on the team but until then, he will be dubbed the worst starter.

Best Role Player: Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves has embraced his role as a key contributor whether he starts or comes off the bench, establishing himself as the Lakers' best role player. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 36.7% from three-point range.

Reaves' ability to play within the flow of the offense, hit open shots, and make timely cuts to the basket has made him invaluable to the Lakers. At the same time, Reaves has shown a propensity to dive for loose balls, draw charges, or simply make the right play which makes him the best role player for the Lakers.

Most Clutch Player: LeBron James

When the game is on the line, there’s still no one better on the Lakers than LeBron James. In the 2023-24 season, he ranked among the league leaders in the clutch, averaging 3.5 clutch points which ranked 16th in the NBA which isn’t too far off clutch phenoms Stephen Curry (4.4) and DeMar DeRozan (4.6).

LeBron's experience and poise in crunch-time situations provide the Lakers with a calming influence and a go-to option. Whether it’s a game-winning drive, a contested three-pointer, or a pinpoint pass, James' decision-making in high-pressure moments is a big reason why he’s still considered one of the most clutch players in the NBA.

Best Leader: LeBron James

LeBron James’ leadership goes beyond his performance on the court; it's about his influence on and off the court. Throughout the 2023-24 season, James led by example, often being the first in the gym and the last to leave. His ability to mentor younger players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, while also holding veterans like Anthony Davis accountable, demonstrates his unique blend of guidance and accountability.

We also saw how great James was in the 2024 Olympics as “Captain America”, winning tournament MVP. LeBron is the best leader in the NBA and by far the best leader on the Lakers. Anthony Davis should have been one of the leaders on the team but he hasn’t come close to having the leadership impact of LeBron James.

Related: 2024-25 Los Angeles Lakers By Tiers

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