Suddenly, the Los Angeles Lakers look like legitimate contenders.
Over the past two weeks, LA has won 12 out of 13 contests, including nine consecutive victories prior to Monday night’s matchup with the Cade Cunningham-less Detroit Pistons. In this streak, they have beaten six teams that currently sit in a Play-In seed or higher – the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets (twice), Miami Heat and Orlando Magic.
Prior to this streak, the Lakers were a measly 12-19 against teams above .500. Now, it seems like they can beat anybody that steps on the court with them.
So what’s caused this sudden, drastic improvement?
The simple reason is because of one man: guard Luka Dončić. The Slovenian superstar has been scorching hot during this span, averaging 40.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists while shooting 49.0 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three. Typically a much-maligned defender, Dončić is averaging 2.6 steals over this span, which would lead the league.
Notably, these performances have often been the difference between a win and a loss. His game-winning stepback against Denver, dagger three-pointer in the second matchup against Houston and 60-point explosion against Miami exemplify LA’s dependence on Dončić to perform at an MVP level on a nightly basis. If the Lakers hope to make a true run at the title this season, they’ll need plenty of “Luka Magic” the rest of the way.
Just like Dončić, the Lakers have long been criticized for their faults defensively. Identical to Dončić, they have recently made rapid strides on this end. During this win streak, LA ranks tenth in defensive rating with opponents shooting just 30.3 percent from beyond the arc against them, by far the worst in the NBA. Combined with improved rim protection and consistent defensive effort and execution, the Lakers are looking the most complete and dangerous they have all season, just in time for the upcoming playoffs.
A more subtle reason is the role adjustment for forward LeBron James. The newly-crowned leader in career games played has accepted head coach JJ Redick’s declaration of being Los Angeles’ third option. This shift required James to play primarily off the ball, allowing Dončić and guard Austin Reaves to run the offense and shine.
When asked about this change, James, following a Lakers victory over the Bulls on March 12, said, “If it benefits others, it benefits the team… I know what I’m capable of still doing as an individual, but what’s important for this team, I’m able to adapt.”
Similarly, center Deandre Ayton has bought in. After his postgame outburst just a month prior regarding his utilization, the big man came to a realization. In a recent interview with The Athletic, Ayton stated how he has been “110 percent” committed to his role, adding that he signed with the Lakers “to be the effort guy” and “make superstars work.”,
With Ayton on board and key rotational pieces like guards Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard upping their games, LA’s supporting cast has stepped up to back their trio of stars at the right time. And now, in the blink of an eye, the Lakeshow are poised to make a deep postseason run.