It was a season of highs and lows for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2023-24 NBA season, with Darvin Ham at the helm as head coach. Through their first 43 games, the Lakers were hovering just below .500, posting a 21-22 record, reflective of a team struggling to find consistency.
On January 21, the Lakers took a pivotal turn during their game against the Portland Trail Blazers. For the first time, Ham decided to start LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura together. This lineup change proved to be a masterstroke as the Lakers secured a win over the Trail Blazers in what was their 44th game of the season. This victory marked the beginning of a successful stint for the new starting unit.
The revamped lineup quickly found its rhythm, compiling an impressive 18-6 record over the subsequent games. This group outscored their opponents by 5.5 points per 100 possessions, showcasing their efficiency and effectiveness on both ends of the court. Under this new formation, the team seemed to gel well, with each of the top five talents—James, Davis, Reaves, Russell, and Hachimura—contributing significantly.
Challenges and Defensive Concerns
However, the integration of Reaves and Russell presented defensive challenges. While both players offered considerable offensive firepower, their pairing introduced vulnerabilities on defense. This configuration placed additional pressure on Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ defensive lynchpin. Hachimura, while a versatile player, does not primarily function as a perimeter defender, adding to the defensive responsibilities that Davis needed to shoulder.
Despite these defensive concerns, the strategic usage of LeBron James played a crucial role. New head coach JJ Redick, who was announced for the 2024-25 season, underscored James's versatility and intelligence on the court. Redick noted, "LeBron is one of the smartest players, and I think using him as a screener and finding ways to get him the ball in specific spots on the floor where he can be a facilitator and scorer, that's what I mean by being off the ball." This approach aimed to exploit James's dual role as both a scorer and a playmaker, further enhancing the Lakers’ offensive dynamics.
Looking Ahead to the 2024-25 Season
With Ham stepping down, Redick will face the challenge of maintaining and building upon the strategies that yielded success. The early schedule for the 2024-25 season is already set, presenting tough matchups against formidable teams like the Timberwolves, the Suns (twice), the Kings, and the Cavaliers. Each of these encounters will test Redick’s ability to adapt and optimize his roster’s potential.
As the new season approaches, the Lakers’ ability to address their defensive gaps while leveraging their offensive strengths will be crucial. The core lineup of James, Davis, Reaves, Russell, and Hachimura remains integral, exemplifying the team's top talents. Balancing their offensive prowess with defensive solidity will be essential for the Lakers to establish themselves as serious contenders.
The evolution under Ham's late-season adjustments provided a glimpse of the Lakers' potential. With Redick’s strategic insights and the star-studded roster’s capabilities, the Lakers will look to make a significant impact in the 2024-25 season. Time will tell if they can mitigate their defensive shortcomings and harness the collective prowess of their top talents to achieve sustained success.