Lakers Must Stay on Their Toes: Complacency Could Spell Disaster

Recently, Dalton Knecht was unstoppable from beyond the arc against the struggling Utah Jazz, prompting the question: Are the Lakers actually good? Their impressive streak of six consecutive victories, a total of 10 wins, the presence of MVP contender Anthony Davis, a blossoming team, and the evergreen LeBron James certainly suggest so.

However, last week also saw the Lakers squander a potential win against the Orlando Magic and display a lackluster performance in the latter half of a defeat to the Denver Nuggets. The lack of defense, frequent turnovers, and periods of low energy—especially during a third quarter where they were outscored 37–15 by a Nuggets team missing Aaron Gordon—resembled last season’s disappointing efforts.

Currently, with a record of 10–6, the Lakers are surpassing early expectations. The offense is thriving under JJ Redick’s leadership. His strategic game management and focus on team organization have transformed the Lakers into a formidable offensive unit.

“JJ, in his debut season as head coach,” commented Nuggets coach Michael Malone, “is performing exceptionally well.”

At the onset of the season, Redick promised to tailor the offense around Davis, and it has paid dividends. Davis is setting personal bests in points per game (30.1), free throw attempts (10.3), and three-point accuracy (40.6%). While he continues to score on solo plays, the team’s increased focus on passing has led to more fluid scoring opportunities.

For perspective, last season the Lakers averaged 267.5 passes per game, ranking in the lower tier of the NBA. This season, that number has increased to 302.1, catapulting them into the top 10.

Redick is effectively utilizing his expanded roster. New additions and improved performances from players like Austin Reaves and the recently returned Rui Hachimura enable the Lakers to comfortably rotate up to nine players.

“JJ has a really solid team to work with,” Malone stated.

Leading this team is James, who continues to amaze as he approaches his 40th birthday. Averaging 23.6 points on highly efficient shooting percentages (51.1% overall and 42.2% from three), James is often still the most athletic player on the court, to the astonishment of many within the Lakers organization.

Yet, the team faces significant challenges. Their defense ranks poorly in the league, and their lack of physicality and poor rebounding are notable issues. With injuries affecting their frontcourt depth, which was already a weak spot, the Lakers are feeling the strain.

“We need to be consistently physical and make the referees take notice,” Reaves explained. “Honestly, our defensive lineup could be better. While AD covers a lot, we need to step up our game on the perimeter and in rebounding.”

The fluctuating effort levels are also concerning. Following a strong first half last Saturday, the Lakers entered the final quarter trailing by 16 points. Redick admitted, “The will to compete simply wasn’t there,” and acknowledged that both he and his staff share part of the blame.

With little room for error, Redick described the effort issues as “an anomaly,” emphasizing a need for change: “That’s not who we are.”

Injuries like Jarred Vanderbilt’s slow recovery from foot surgeries have further complicated matters, forcing Redick to rely on players like Christian Koloko for significant minutes. After a recent defeat, Davis proposed more zone defense to cope with their challenges.

The Lakers can handle an off shooting night, but not a lack of effort.

“We can try to control the game as much as possible,” Redick said. “But ultimately, it comes down to competing and being engaged in the game.”

As long as Davis remains healthy—having played in 15 of the team’s 16 games—Los Angeles will remain competitive. But with both Davis and James performing at high levels, merely being competitive falls short of expectations. “We’re in a good spot,” Reaves noted. “Now, we need to aim higher.”

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