As the Los Angeles Lakers navigated the 2023-24 NBA season under the stewardship of head coach Darvin Ham, the team saw its fair share of ups and downs. By their 43rd game, the Lakers held a somewhat middling record of 21-22, sparking much speculation about the team's ability to gel and perform consistently. The pivotal 44th game on January 21 marked a significant turning point as Ham unveiled a new starting lineup, featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura together for the first time. The result was a triumphant victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, setting the stage for a remarkable run.
This new lineup soon proved to be a revelation. Over the next 24 games, the Lakers compiled an impressive 18-6 record, outscoring opponents by an average of 5.5 points per 100 possessions. The combination of James, Davis, Reaves, Russell, and Hachimura quickly emerged as the team's top five talents, blending individual strengths into a cohesive unit that excelled on both ends of the floor.
The Impact of Reaves and Russell
Starting both Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell introduced some defensive vulnerabilities, placing additional pressure on Anthony Davis to hold the fort. Davis, renowned for his defensive prowess, handled the increased burden admirably, often serving as the anchor that kept the Lakers' defense intact. This configuration, however, highlighted a specific challenge: Rui Hachimura, while a valuable asset, is not primarily a perimeter defender, which occasionally required adjustments to accommodate gaps left by the guards.
LeBron's Evolving Role
LeBron James, one of the smartest players in the game, adapted to his evolving role. JJ Redick, who would later be announced as the coach for the 2024-25 season, noted this in a statement: "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 strategic tweak allowed James to utilize his vision and basketball IQ in different aspects, making him even more effective as both a scorer and playmaker.
Looking Ahead to 2024-25
As the Lakers head into the 2024-25 season with JJ Redick at the helm, the early schedule looks challenging with matchups against formidable opponents including the Timberwolves, the Suns (twice), the Kings, and the Cavaliers. Redick's approach to maximizing the talents of his players, particularly his usage of LeBron, will be crucial in navigating this tough start.
Conclusion
The Lakers' journey through the latter half of the 2023-24 season and the subsequent transition to the Redick era reflects a team in constant adaptation and evolution. As they refine their strategies and personnel under new leadership, the lessons from their recent past and the foundational strengths of their lineup will be critical to their aspirations. The balance between leveraging star power and addressing defensive needs promises to define their success in the upcoming season.