As the NBA season starts after the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Lakers are adjusting their plan following the retracted trade with the Charlotte Hornets for big Mark Williams. Despite the defeat, the Lakers have been on a roll, winning 12 of their last 15 games and rising to sixth place in the Western Conference. This jump in performance reflects a strong defense and an offense that ranked sixth in the league during this time.
Lakers’ center position is still in upheaval
With the deal aftermath, the Lakers’ center position is still in upheaval, with a mix of seasoned minimums and small-ball combinations. Luka Doncic, the team’s new cornerstone since his trade from the Dallas Mavericks, is gradually settling into the Lakers’ system. Despite limited minutes due to a calf injury, Doncic’s impact is growing. He is demonstrating glimpses of his ability to change the squad alongside LeBron James. Doncic is averaging 27.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists this season.
The Lakers’ coaching staff, lead by J.J. Redick, reacted to the situation by focusing on health and implementing new ideas. After a recent game, Redick mentioned the significance of the team’s health. Jaxson Hayes started at center and will continue to play the position, but the Lakers’ alternatives are restricted until the offseason, when they will be better positioned to make a switch.
Redick stated prior to the NBA All-Star break.
“I think the biggest thing is just getting all our key guys healthy,” Redick stated prior to the NBA All-Star break. “I think when our group is healthy, we can compete at a very high level.” According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the shift to small ball was critical.
If freshly signed big man Alex Len continues to struggle, the Lakers may need to rely on this technique even more. The Lakers will implement this method effectively. Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt are the key in these lineups, they introduce versatility and defensive prowess. Finney-Smith’s ability to guard numerous spots, combined with Vanderbilt’s rebounding and tenacity, more than make up for the absence of a traditional center.
LeBron James has occasionally played center in specific matchups
Furthermore, LeBron James has occasionally played center in specific matchups, this is another element to their small-ball strategy. His experience and basketball IQ make him an excellent choice in this situation, allowing the Lakers to preserve versatility on both ends of the court. Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves have also helped the Lakers by playing bigger than their natural positions, allowing them to stretch the floor and enhance their tempo. This technique has compensated for the absence of a traditional big man while also improving the team’s scoring and defensive metrics.
The combination of Doncic’s playmaking ability and James’ experienced presence gives the Lakers a high ceiling. As the season progresses, Los Angeles will focus on maximizing its assets and establishing long-term success. It’ll
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