An 82-game season can have a ton of ebbs and flows, and often they feel extreme.
Certainly that’s been the case for the Lakers, who have followed one of the most inept stretches of team defense with another that has been, quite literally, the league’s best over their last five games. Even more confusing, an offense that was once among the best in the league has totally cratered.
The Lakers endured a brutal stretch of schedule, packing two weeks worth of games into about 10 days, but then (like most of the league) got an unnaturally light load while teams finished off the NBA Cup.
And now?
This uptick in defense—and the confidence it’s clearly bringing the team—comes at a good time. Not only are the Lakers entering a very home-heavy portion of the schedule, filled with very winnable games. It starts tonight as the Pistons visit the Crypt. Yes, Detroit has beaten the Lakers already this year, but they’re still four games under. 500 (and the Lakers should have a little revenge on the brain). Then on Christmas, the reeling Warriors come to town, followed by a slumping Kings squad the Lakers just beat twice on their floor. A date with an excellent Cleveland squad is followed by home games against an equally terrible Blazers team, and then the very mid Hawks.
That’s five very winnable games in their next six. Even winning four would leave the Lakers at 20-14, looking at a January schedule that holds some opportunities.
Things are lined up well. The Lakers seem to have discovered a winning defensive formula, starting with the inclusion of Max Christie in the starting lineup. They’re heading back to their home floor, where the team is 9-3 on the year. The light portion of the schedule seems to have done LeBron a lot of good. Gabe Vincent has transformed back into an NBA player. Cam Reddish looks comfortable in his role, and is excelling at it.
And coming back home, the Lakers have a good chance to address the offense and potentially re-discover some of what made them successful on that end earlier in the year.
The vibes heading into 2025 could be a lot better than just a couple weeks ago.
If they can finally find some consistency.
—BK
