The Los Angeles Lakers' 2023-24 NBA season was marked by significant changes and strategic adjustments. Under the leadership of head coach Darvin Ham, the Lakers faced early challenges but ultimately found a winning formula that revived their playoff hopes.
Over the first 43 games of the season, the Lakers posted a mediocre record of 21-22. As a franchise synonymous with championships, this was far below the high standards set by the team and its fans. The turning point came on January 21, when Ham made a bold decision in the 44th game against the Portland Trail Blazers. He opted to start LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura together for the first time.
The impact of this new starting lineup was immediate and profound. The Lakers secured a critical win against the Trail Blazers, setting the stage for a remarkable turnaround. This revamped unit compiled an impressive 18-6 record, outscoring opponents by 5.5 points per 100 possessions. The newfound chemistry and balance reinvigorated the team's performance and instilled a renewed sense of optimism among the Laker faithful.
The success of the new starting lineup did come with its own set of challenges. Integrating Reaves and Russell together introduced defensive vulnerabilities that placed additional pressure on Anthony Davis. Despite his prowess on both ends of the court, Davis found himself stretched thin, often having to compensate for the defensive gaps left by his less defensively-inclined teammates. Additionally, while Hachimura brought a valuable skill set to the team, his limitations as a perimeter defender further complicated the Lakers' defensive schemes. Nevertheless, the collective talent of James, Davis, Reaves, Russell, and Hachimura helped mask these deficiencies and propelled the Lakers forward.
As the season drew to a close, the Lakers announced a significant coaching change. Former NBA player and current commentator JJ Redick was named head coach for the 2024-25 season. Known for his basketball IQ and analytical mindset, Redick brings a fresh perspective to the team. His comments about LeBron James indicate a strategic shift that could shape the Lakers' approach in the coming season. "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 stated, highlighting his vision for leveraging James's multifaceted skill set.
Looking ahead, the Lakers' early 2024-25 schedule includes challenging matchups against the Timberwolves, the Suns twice, the Kings, and the Cavaliers. These games will serve as a litmus test for the Lakers' revamped strategy under Redick's guidance. The defensive vulnerabilities introduced by starting Reaves and Russell together will be a critical area of focus, as will be finding ways to optimize Hachimura's role within the defensive framework.
Despite these challenges, the Lakers' top five talents—James, Davis, Reaves, Russell, and Hachimura—remain the cornerstone of the team's strategy. Their individual and collective performances will be crucial in determining the Lakers' trajectory in the competitive Western Conference.
As the Lakers transition into a new era with JJ Redick at the helm, the blend of experienced leadership and fresh strategic insights sets the stage for another intriguing chapter in the storied franchise's history. The foundation laid in the latter part of the 2023-24 season offers a promising glimpse of what could be achieved with the right balance of talent, strategy, and execution.