During the 2023-24 NBA season, Darvin Ham helmed the Los Angeles Lakers, navigating a turbulent start that saw the team teetering with a 21-22 record over their first 43 games. The mid-season tilt against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 21 marked a pivotal turn. In what was their 44th game, Ham decided to start LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura together for the first time. The move paid immediate dividends as the Lakers emerged victorious.
A Winning Combination
Post the January 21 game, the new starting lineup demonstrated formidable synergy, compiling an impressive 18-6 record and outscoring opponents by 5.5 points per 100 possessions. This tactical shift highlighted the Lakers' top-five talents in James, Davis, Reaves, Russell, and Hachimura.
While this new combination brought about notable victories, it wasn't devoid of drawbacks. The introduction of Reaves and Russell together on the floor brought about certain defensive vulnerabilities. This configuration placed added defensive responsibilities on the shoulders of Anthony Davis, an elite defender but one whose longevity and health have always been a concern. Additionally, Hachimura's skill set, which is not primarily focused on perimeter defense, further emphasized these defensive challenges.
Looking Ahead: A New Era Under JJ Redick
As the 2023-24 season concluded, a new chapter began for the Lakers with the announcement of JJ Redick as the head coach for the 2024-25 season. The early schedule for the Lakers’ 2024-25 season features challenging matchups against the Timberwolves, two games against the Suns, the Kings, and the Cavaliers. Redick’s insights and his understanding of the game will be crucial in navigating this early gauntlet of games.
Redick, known for his sharp basketball intellect, has clear ideas about utilizing the Lakers' roster to its fullest potential. "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 commented. His strategy hints at leveraging James's versatility both on and off the ball to maximize offensive efficiency.
Balancing Offense and Defense
The balance between offensive prowess and defensive stability will be a defining theme for Redick's tenure. With Reaves and Russell as integral parts of the starting lineup, maintaining a robust defense will rely heavily on Davis’s ability to anchor the unit. However, strategic deployment and possibly rotating defensive specialists during critical moments could mitigate these vulnerabilities.
The existing chemistry among the Lakers’ starting five, demonstrated by their commanding record towards the latter part of the 2023-24 season, gives reason for optimism. Redick’s coaching philosophy, combined with the star power of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, has the potential to propel the Lakers back into championship contention.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on whether this blend of established stars and emerging talents can coalesce under Redick's guidance. The stakes are high, the fans' expectations even higher, and the journey to reclaiming glory begins anew.