The Lakers are facing a unique challenge, and it involves their star trio: LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves. Despite their impressive 8-3 record when all three are on the court, their combined efforts result in a troubling -8.8 net rating. It’s a puzzle that the Lakers need to solve if they want to maximize their potential.
In contrast, the Boston Celtics have found a rhythm with their own Big Three. Before the NBA trade deadline, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard were driving the league’s second-best offense with an 8.1 net rating over 823 minutes.
The addition of Nikola Vucevic has added a new dimension to their lineup, enhancing the second unit’s performance. Vucevic and Pritchard have formed a formidable duo, boasting a +12.7 net rating in just 95 minutes across four games.
This pairing has created opportunities for players like Hugo Gonzalez and Jordan Walsh to shine.
The Celtics’ strategy, led by coach Joe Mazzulla, showcases a willingness to adapt and optimize the roster. Moving Pritchard to the bench might not fit the traditional playbook, but it’s a testament to Mazzulla’s innovative approach.
Pritchard, having waited patiently for his starting role, has embraced his new position with enthusiasm, stating, “I can start, I can come off the bench - it don’t matter. Just what the team needs: being killer in my role.”
The Lakers, meanwhile, might benefit from similar flexibility. Stats show Doncic and Reaves thrive with LeBron on the bench, and vice versa, yet together they struggle in key areas like defense and rebounding. Despite this, the Lakers remain a strong team, poised to avoid the Play-In Tournament, thanks to strategic changes like Luka’s offseason transformation and the acquisition of Marcus Smart.
However, challenges remain. Balancing LeBron and Reaves’ upcoming free agency, catering to Luka, and aligning J.J.
Redick’s vision with on-court performance are ongoing issues. The pressure is on to find solutions that translate to success on the court.
In Boston, Mazzulla’s fearless approach to adjustments has paid dividends. It’s a style that’s all about winning, and one wonders if a similar mindset could bring new life to the Lakers. For now, Mazzulla continues to be the Celtics’ innovative leader, focused on doing whatever it takes to win.