The 2023-24 NBA season saw Darvin Ham at the helm of the Los Angeles Lakers, steering the storied franchise through turbulent waters. With a 21-22 record over their first 43 games, the Lakers faced mounting pressure to find a winning formula. Game 44, a clash against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 21, proved to be a pivotal moment. It was in this game that Ham decided to start LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura together for the first time.
A Turning Point
This new starting lineup sparked a significant turnaround. The Lakers emerged victorious against the Trail Blazers, setting the stage for an impressive run. Over the remainder of the season, this unit compiled an 18-6 record, outscoring opponents by a margin of 5.5 points per 100 possessions. Such metrics highlighted the effectiveness of this revamped starting five
However, the introduction of Reaves and Russell in the same lineup also brought about defensive vulnerabilities. The defensive frailties meant that additional pressure was placed on Anthony Davis, the team's defensive anchor. Furthermore, Rui Hachimura’s lack of primary perimeter defending skills added another layer of complexity to the Lakers' defensive setup.
Coaching Change
Despite a commendable effort in navigating the season, the Lakers announced JJ Redick as the coach for the 2024-25 season. Redick, bringing a fresh perspective, articulated his vision of utilizing LeBron James in varied roles.
"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 explained. His intention is clear: to maximize LeBron's versatility, allowing him to influence the game from different areas on the court.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers’ early 2024-25 schedule presents a series of challenging matchups, including games against the Timberwolves, two encounters with the Suns, the Kings, and the Cavaliers. These initial games will be crucial in setting the tone for the season under Redick’s new leadership.
While the season ahead poses numerous challenges, the Lakers' top five - James, Davis, Reaves, Russell, and Hachimura - are expected to play pivotal roles. This combination underscores the team's reliance on their top-tier talent to balance both offensive and defensive responsibilities throughout the season.
The path forward for the Lakers is paved with optimism and strategic adjustments. With a new coach bringing innovative ideas and a talented starting five ready to battle, fans are hopeful that the Lakers can build on the momentum from the previous season's turnaround and embark on a successful campaign.