The 2023-24 NBA season witnessed a significant shift for the Los Angeles Lakers under the helm of head coach Darvin Ham. As the season approached the halfway mark, the Lakers found themselves with a middling record of 21-22 over their first 43 games. In an attempt to spark a change, Ham experimented with a new starting lineup in their 44th game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 21.
This new lineup featured LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura playing together for the first time. The strategy paid off immediately as the Lakers managed to secure a victory against the Trail Blazers. The success of this new starting unit was not a one-off; they went on to compile an impressive 18-6 record, outscoring their opponents by 5.5 points per 100 possessions.
Defensive Adjustments
This change, however, did not come without its challenges. Starting Reaves and Russell together introduced certain defensive vulnerabilities, placing additional pressure on Anthony Davis to anchor the defense. While Hachimura is a talented player, he is not primarily known as a perimeter defender, which further complicated the defensive landscape for the Lakers.
Despite these concerns, the new lineup managed to highlight the top talents of the Lakers. LeBron James, celebrated as one of the smartest players in the NBA, was utilized effectively in various roles. JJ Redick, who was announced as the coach for the 2024-25 season, commented on LeBron's versatility, stating, "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."
Upcoming Challenges
As the Lakers look forward to the 2024-25 season under Redick’s guidance, they face a challenging early schedule. Their upcoming opponents include the Timberwolves, two matchups against the Suns, the Kings, and the Cavaliers. Each of these teams will test the Lakers’ ability to maintain their defensive integrity while maximizing the offensive potential of their revamped lineup.
Redick’s approach to utilizing LeBron as both a facilitator and a scorer will be crucial in navigating these games. The combination of James, Davis, Reaves, Russell, and Hachimura represents a blend of experience, skill, and tactical acumen that could redefine the Lakers' season.
The strategic decisions taken during the 2023-24 season, influenced by Ham's bold lineup changes, have laid a foundation for the future. It remains to be seen how these adjustments will play out under Redick’s coaching philosophy. However, the early indications are promising, pointing to a team that has the potential to overcome its defensive challenges and make a significant impact in the next phase of the NBA landscape.
The Lakers’ journey from a 21-22 record to a revitalized team with an 18-6 streak under the new lineup is a testament to adaptability and strategic innovation. As they prepare for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this mix of talent and strategy unfolds under Redick’s leadership.