After acquiring Luka Doncic last February, the Los Angeles Lakers kicked off this season with championship aspirations. Teaming up with LeBron James and Austin Reaves, Doncic aimed for a deep playoff journey, but the results have been a mixed bag so far.
Currently standing at 34-21, the Lakers are firmly in the Western Conference playoff mix, holding the fifth spot, just a half-game behind the Houston Rockets. With a star-studded lineup, the Lakers are undoubtedly contenders for the Western title, yet they haven't fully optimized their rotation.
Now, with the team finally healthy, the Lakers have a chance to showcase their full potential. A strong win coming out of the All-Star break offers positive signs, but there’s still room for growth. To climb the standings and compete with powerhouses like the Thunder and Nuggets, the Lakers need to hone in on several key areas.
Maximize Zone Defense
The Lakers have faced defensive challenges this season. While they may not have the ideal defensive personnel, there’s a path to improvement.
Implementing more zone defense, as they have sporadically, could be key. Though not a playoff staple, zone defense can disrupt offensive flow and limit paint scoring, fostering good defensive habits through constant communication and awareness.
Man-to-man defense can be vulnerable against offensive juggernauts like Luka Doncic. Zone defense offers a way to shield Doncic, positioning him in less exposed areas and conserving his energy for offense. If Coach Redick can strategically implement zone defense, it could mitigate some defensive shortcomings.
Trust In New Starting Lineup
With a healthy roster, the Lakers should capitalize on their full lineup. Recently against the Clippers, Coach Redick introduced a new starting five: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton. While not the league’s top lineup, it offers a balanced mix of star power, perimeter shooting, and defense.
This lineup provides the Lakers with a solid foundation, supported by bench scoring from players like Luke Kennard and Jake LaRavia. Building chemistry and familiarity through consistent play is crucial. The recent 125-122 home victory showcased the potential of this group.
Let LeBron Run The Offense
While Luka Doncic’s stats are impressive, with averages of 33.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists, he shouldn’t shoulder the offensive burden alone. Even at 41, LeBron James remains an invaluable playmaker and facilitator.
James’ unparalleled experience and basketball IQ ensure the Lakers’ offense operates smoothly when he orchestrates the play. Though he can’t single-handedly carry the team, trusting him to set up teammates and control the game’s tempo could be pivotal.
This strategy would alleviate pressure on Doncic, allowing him more off-ball opportunities. If this is indeed James’ final run in Los Angeles, maximizing his contributions is essential for a successful close to the season.