After adding several new pieces to the locker room, the Los Angeles Lakers expected to improve regardless of the circumstances. Now that we have an 11-game sample size, the Lakers have impressed their demanding fan base with an 8-3 record.
An MVP & An All-Star
Luka Dončić set the tone when he arrived at training camp, 31 pounds lighter than he was the previous year, and his remarkable weight loss has truly brought out the best in him. The 5x All-Star has produced MVP-level numbers, scoring 40+ points in three of his six appearances this season.
The four games he missed culminated in three masterclasses from Austin Reaves. While Dončić was nursing his injuries at home in L.A., he sent Austin words of encouragement as they prepared for their matchup against the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 26. Luka’s joke culminated in one of the greatest performances in Lakers’ history.
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Reaves exploded for a career-high 51 points on an efficient 12-of-22 from the field, and he followed it up with 41 points against the Portland Trail Blazers the next night. He became the trending topic of the NBA for 48 hours, and he capitalized on that spotlight with a career-high 16 assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
His streak continued, scoring 20+ points in their next two games, but the increased usage put stress on his body, leading to a right groin strain. He’s nursing his injuries on the bench with career-high averages of 30.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 9.0 assists.
Of course, his numbers are bound to regress as he plays more games, but it’s obvious that his skillset has improved exponentially. Given the Lakers’ high seedings and popularity, the undrafted talent will likely become an All-Star this year.
His development has secured his contract extension for the future, and the star backcourt has integrated well with their new teammates on the court, even without the other one present.
Deandre Ayton’s Redemption
Working in the pick-and-roll with both guards has worked wonders for Deandre Ayton. Whether it’s Reaves or Dončić running the offense, Ayton’s ability to cut to the rim makes him a constant threat.
He’s averaged 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, mainly off of second chance points and cutting to the rim. According to NBA.com, he ranks fourth in field goal percentage amongst the entire league.
Head Coach JJ Redick has found a perfect role for Ayton in Los Angeles, and at 27 years old, it’s clear he’s the center for the future. Along with improving their offense, he is fulfilling his main purpose of improving their defense.
Ayton has transformed the Lakers’ defensive culture alongside Marcus Smart, and Smart’s warm aura has been a huge confidence booster for the newly minted locker room.
From Rival To Mentor
The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year understood the expectations when he arrived in Los Angeles as a former Celtic. His nine-year experience as a key part of Boston’s core puts a lot of pressure on Smart to make an immediate impact, and he’s done just that.
Many pundits were concerned about his past injuries affecting his performance, but he’s been healthy, appearing in nine of their 11 games. His averages of 10.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game do not reflect his true impact.
It’s been crucial for young players like Jake LaRavia, Bronny James Jr, and Dalton Knecht. All three are finding their roles with this new roster, especially Laravia. At 24, he is having a breakout season with the Lakers as the team’s second-best three-point shooter behind Rui Hachimura (52.4%).
A Humbling Defeat
The Luka Lakers have passed most of their tests early on, but their recent upset at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks was very alarming. The Jared Vanderbilt-led second unit scored just four points in the first half, and their defense allowed a double-digit lead by halftime, 68-54.
By the middle of the third quarter, the Hawks were ahead by 27 points, leading Redick to wave the white flag. Even with a healthy Dončić, the short-handed Hawks defeated the Lakers 122-102, despite missing stars Trae Young and Jalen Johnson.
Vanderbilt, Knecht, and James Jr. combined for 35 of the Lakers’ 43 bench points. Even with the Hawks’ third-stringers playing 20+ minutes, Atlanta’s bench scored 46 points, outscoring Los Angeles by three.
Without question, it’s their worst loss of the season by far, but the 20-point blowout provides valuable game film for JJ to evaluate the ball club after ten games.
Assessing The Sample Size
The devastating loss highlighted their defensive struggles on the perimeter and their inability to create shots without their star backcourt. Both issues will be fixed when LeBron James returns to the rotation, but his rehabilitation has been a slow process.
He is a crucial part of their system, and we won’t realize the team’s full potential until he returns.
The most we’ve learned about this new team in his absence is that their offense is one of the best in the league. They have lethal shooters, athletic cutters, and excellent playmakers, all of whom complement each other.
Discovering their winning formula without James on the court was the most important revelation to begin the season. Depending on how he performs after the sciatica, we could see the Lakers solidify their position as a top-3 seed in the Western Conference by the All-Star break. They arguably have the league’s best big three, supported by a capable supporting cast and a proven head coach.
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