It was a turbulent 2023-24 NBA season for the Los Angeles Lakers, led by head coach Darvin Ham. Navigating an initial stretch with a 21-22 record across their first 43 games, the Lakers faced early struggles that tested their resilience. However, a pivotal game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 21 marked a turning point.
The Turning Point
In this 44th game of the season, Ham made a strategic decision that would change the Lakers’ trajectory. For the first time, he started LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura together. This lineup proved to be a game-changer, propelling the Lakers to a victory against the Trail Blazers. The new starting unit demonstrated synergy and effectiveness, leading to an impressive 18-6 record and outscoring opponents by 5.5 points per 100 possessions as the season progressed.Analyzing the New Lineup
The combination of talents in this new lineup highlighted the Lakers' core strengths and weaknesses. While starting Reaves and Russell together infused the team with offensive prowess, it introduced defensive vulnerabilities. This shift placed additional defensive pressure on Anthony Davis, who had to extend his defensive coverage.
Reaves and Russell’s presence created unique challenges and opportunities. Reaves, known for his playmaking and scoring versatility, and Russell, a sharp shooter and ball handler, added dynamism to the team. However, their combined defensive limitations meant that Davis often found himself covering more ground. Rui Hachimura, a key addition to the starting lineup, brought size and scoring ability but was not primarily known for his perimeter defense.Leadership and Tactical Adjustments
LeBron James, the veteran leader of the squad, continued to showcase his versatility. JJ Redick, announced as the coach for the 2024-25 season, spoke highly of James’s ability to adapt and excel in various roles on the court. "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," Redick noted.
This tactical adjustment recognized James’s unique basketball IQ, allowing the Lakers to exploit mismatches and create opportunities. James’s role as a screener and facilitator opened up the floor for his teammates, showcasing his unselfish play and strategic mind.Looking Ahead
With JJ Redick at the helm for the 2024-25 season, the Lakers’ early schedule features challenging matchups against the Timberwolves, the Suns twice, the Kings, and the Cavaliers. Redick’s approach and the dynamics of this revamped roster will be critical in navigating these contests successfully.
The Lakers' journey highlights a season of strategic shifts and the importance of finding the right mix of talent and tactics. Starting James, Davis, Reaves, Russell, and Hachimura together unveiled the team’s potential when their top talents align effectively. As the Lakers move forward, the lessons from the 2023-24 season will undoubtedly influence their strategies and aspirations.