The Los Angeles Lakers took a tough hit with a 111-89 loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday night, dropping their record to 34-22. While the performance drew criticism, Lakers guard Marcus Smart remains optimistic about the team's potential.
In a Monday practice session, Smart addressed the media, emphasizing the roster's depth and the hurdles they've faced this season. "We’re good.
The talent is there, we’ve got the pieces. It’s just making them mesh," Smart explained.
He pointed out that injuries have been a significant factor, affecting the team's ability to gel. "We haven’t been healthy, which is a big part.
When you’re trying out new pieces, you’ve eventually got to be healthy. There’s different lineups at play, but I think that’s going to help us in the long run because we got to see different lineups with guys in different spots and roles that they’re not used to."
Smart acknowledged the work ahead, stating, "We definitely have some work to do, everybody knows that, but we’re hanging in there. The objective is that everybody in this league is coming around at the right time and getting ready to play the best basketball they can play at the right time."
Smart's optimism isn't without merit. The Lakers have indeed been juggling lineups due to injuries, leading to inconsistency on the court.
Health has been a major issue, complicating efforts to build chemistry. Even with a full roster, questions linger about whether the team has enough firepower.
The Lakers' Contender Status in Question
While Smart's confidence in the team's depth is noteworthy, it doesn't fully dispel doubts. The Celtics game highlighted the Lakers' current struggles, offering little reassurance.
In stark contrast, the Celtics have shown resilience despite losing key players in free agency. Rallying around Jaylen Brown, Boston has remained competitive, even without one of their stars.
Meanwhile, the Lakers, despite having their stars on the court, struggle with chemistry. Execution and tactical issues further compound their problems, leaving them vulnerable.
The reality is that the Lakers don't currently inspire much confidence as title contenders. Tied for fifth in the West, they might secure a playoff spot, but their chances of making a deep run in a competitive Western Conference appear slim.