The Los Angeles Lakers have maintained a roster similar to the one that achieved 47 wins last season, though they faced an early exit in the playoffs against the Denver Nuggets. The notable change for this season has been the hiring of JJ Redick as head coach, replacing Darvin Ham. After 10 games into the new season, questions arise regarding the team's performance under this new leadership. An Eastern Conference scout commented on their progress, stating, "They look better offensively, but I don't know that they're good enough defensively. That may be more of a personnel issue. I'm not sure the team is that deep." This analysis will delve into each player’s contributions and the necessary adjustments for the Lakers to enhance their postseason prospects.
Anthony Davis has emerged as the standout player for the Lakers this season. Redick’s focus on making Davis the central figure of the offense, rather than LeBron James, has been notable. A scout noted Davis's commitment to starting the year strong, saying, "Credit to [Davis] for coming into the year so forcefully. He just needs to stay healthy." This sentiment reflects a recurring theme surrounding the 31-year-old forward/center, who is currently dealing with plantar fasciitis and an eye injury sustained in a recent victory against the Toronto Raptors. Davis holds impressive averages of 31.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game while missing just one of the team's contests thus far.
LeBron James, the league's oldest player at nearly 40 years old, presents a mixed bag for the Lakers. Although some may perceive his performance as mediocre, he has managed to produce notable triple-doubles. With an average of 23.2 points, 8.9 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 44.4 percent from the three-point line, James continues to have a positive impact. A player agent acknowledged that while he may have lost a step defensively, his basketball IQ allows him to adapt by finding alternative ways to contribute, despite sometimes hindering offensive flow in crunch time. Teams remain vigilant of the Davis/James combination that previously led the Lakers to a championship and a deep playoff run not long ago, indicating that weaknesses within the roster lie elsewhere.
Austin Reaves has taken on a vital third-option role under Redick, seeing an increase in usage and ball-handling responsibilities. Despite achieving a career-high average of 18.7 points per game, Reaves has seen a slight decrease in assists and a rise in turnovers. This transition may reflect the struggles associated with adapting to a new offensive scheme. A scout pointed out the adjustments made defensively, reminiscing on Reaves’ previous assignments while acknowledging the challenges presented by physical matchups against faster guards. While he shows promise both offensively and defensively, concerns linger over the potential weaknesses when paired with D'Angelo Russell.
D'Angelo Russell has arguably faced the most significant adjustment under Redick's guidance, having recently transitioned to a bench role. The change stems from Andrew Davis' amplified presence and Reaves' enhanced usage, complicating things for Russell within the new structure. His performance has dwindled, averaging 12.9 points and 5.0 assists per game, coupled with a concerning shooting percentage of just 31.1 percent from three-point range. An Eastern Conference executive expressed skepticism about Russell's long-term fit with the team, suggesting he might not last past the trade deadline, especially since Redick's dissatisfaction with recent performances has been apparent.
Rui Hachimura has improved his rebounding, climbing from 4.3 to 6.0 per game, as per Redick's emphasis on this aspect prior to the season. Despite his commendable three-point shooting percentage of 46.9 percent, up from a strong 42.2 percent last season, his overall scoring has dipped slightly from 13.6 points to 12.0. Hachimura needs to focus on shot selection and efficiency, particularly in two-point attempts, as he currently hovers around 39.0 percent from the field. While his size complements the Lakers' frontcourt alongside Davis and James, his defensive versatility remains a concern, especially when matched against quicker perimeter players. In essence, Hachimura encapsulates both the strengths and areas for improvement for the Lakers as they aim for a deeper playoff run.
Cam Reddish began the season as a less prominent figure but has since gained coaching trust as a starter following a lackluster defensive showing by the team. Injuries had previously hindered his ability to assert himself on the court, but his physical attributes reflect the potential to defend high-caliber guards and wings effectively. However, skepticism persists about his ability to deliver consistent performances. With a notable shift in his role, Reddish’s health and commitment to defense could be crucial in addressing the team's defensive struggles while remaining a low-impact player on the offensive side.
Jaxson Hayes has found himself as the only available big man beyond Davis on the roster, allowing him to play with unrestrained energy. Scouts appreciate his speed and athleticism, recognizing that the Lakers require these qualities, but there are limitations to his game. Acting as both a backup center and a partner for Davis, Hayes has yet to show the necessary bulk and awareness to be a dependable rim protector. While he has had a positive influence on the team, the Lakers still seek greater depth and versatility in their frontcourt options.
The Lakers made a significant investment in Gabe Vincent, signing him to a three-year, $33 million deal to bolster their lineup. However, Vincent's tenure has been marred by injuries, limiting his performance and impact upon his return. This season, he has played in every game, yet averages just 3.2 points and 0.5 assists, along with a low shooting percentage of 19.2 from three. Regarded defensively as a steady presence, Vincent’s offensive struggles could greatly hinder the Lakers’ competitiveness. Coaches will undoubtedly look for ways to maximize his contributions moving forward.
Rookie shooter Knecht has shown glimpses of potential, highlighted by a standout preseason where he scored 35 points against the Phoenix Suns. However, he has experienced difficulty finding his rhythm in the regular season, exhibiting a shooting percentage of just 28.9 from beyond the arc. While he gets consistent minutes, his defensive awareness remains under scrutiny. Knecht's development will require careful management, particularly in regards to integrating him into the system while enhancing the team's overall defensive capabilities.
Bronny James has enjoyed limited minutes with the Lakers, although the franchise has handled his integration judiciously, particularly during high-profile games featuring his father. His appearances thus far have been modest, with performance expectations grounded in the recognition that as a 55th overall pick, immediate contributions were not anticipated. As fan support has surged, the role he assumes as the season unfolds will continue to be a topic of interest.
Max Christie, viewed as a player expected to bridge the gap in the Lakers' rotation, has not made the anticipated impact this season. Viewed as potential rotation depth, he has found minutes scarce, especially following the emergence of players like Reddish and Knecht. Christie's shooting has struggled at 29.4 percent from three-point range, averaging just 3.8 points over 13.1 minutes. His development is critical for the team as they seek to refine their lineup and find reliable contributors on the bench.
Injured players Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt have uncertain timelines for return, resulting in their absence from early season competition. The Lakers have opted not to pursue a third-year option for Jalen Hood-Schifino, signaling a detachment from long-term planning involving his role. Additionally, second-year player Maxwell Lewis has so far been unable to secure a position in the main rotation, leaving the two-way players Quincy Olivari and Armel Traoré with no opportunities. The return of Koloko from a blood clot issue has also seen him feature for limited minutes in his appearances.
Currently, the Lakers hold a 5-5 record under Redick's coaching after a 5-4 start with Ham, maintaining competitive offensive numbers with an average of 117 points per game while struggling defensively with equal measures at 117.5 points allowed. Feedback from those connected to the team has highlighted Redick's attention to detail as a coaching asset, with an Eastern Conference executive remarking on Redick's surprising command over his team for a first-time coach. However, with evident gaps in team composition, including the need for more size in the frontcourt, the success of Redick's inaugural season may ultimately hinge on front office decisions and managing the roster's depth efficiently.
Moreover, the team's impressive home record of 5-0 contrasts starkly with their road struggles, sitting at 1-4. Notably, Redick's decisive move to promote Reddish into the starting lineup serves as an indication of his impactful coaching approach in the early going. As the Lakers navigate through the season, Redick is tasked with rectifying the roster's defensive shortcomings while fostering a cohesive game plan that leverages the talents of his players. With time, it remains uncertain how Redick will continue to grow as a head coach, but his ability to adapt and enhance a roster that has both strengths and weaknesses will be paramount in determining the team's efficacy as they aim for playoff success.
