The Lakers are facing a tough situation with injuries sidelining star guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the rest of the regular season.
However, the team’s playoff hopes remain intact.
Having already secured a spot in the playoffs, the Lakers will continue their journey despite losing Doncic (who has a Grade 2 left hamstring tear) and Reaves (with a Grade 2 left oblique strain) during last Thursday’s game against the Thunder. Their regular-season finale against the Jazz on Sunday won’t end their season.
How far they can advance beyond the initial four games of the playoffs—especially if there’s a chance for Doncic and Reaves to return—depends on a few factors.
The big question is how they can create winning strategies without their star playmakers.
“We need to be smart offensively with our screening while maintaining a focus on attacking the paint,” said coach JJ Reddick before the recent loss to the Mavericks. “It’s essential to position our players effectively, and our screening will be crucial, along with the effort from our offensive squad. We’re fielding a lineup that hasn’t spent much time together, so we’ll have to push ourselves on both ends.”
Even with 128 points on the board, the Lakers lost to the Mavericks, allowing 134 points—a disappointing result but indicative of potential improvements.
With LeBron James out for Tuesday’s game against the Thunder due to a left foot injury, and Marcus Smart missing his eighth consecutive game with an ankle issue, substantial gains may not be realistic until at least Thursday’s game against the Warriors.
To maximize their performance in the absence of Doncic and Reaves, the Lakers need to refine their play.
Doncic and Reaves contributed significantly, averaging 56.8 points and 13.8 assists per game. Clearly, nobody can easily take on that level of output.
Still, the Lakers can enhance their margins.
They’ve performed well in securing possessions this season, but there’s room for improvement. They’re adept at getting to the free-throw line—a strong suit for Doncic and Reaves—while limiting opponents’ offensive rebounds and free throws. Their best path forward likely involves increasing their offensive rebounds through larger lineups.
In the recent game against the Mavericks, for instance, Reddick employed Maxi Kleber alongside Deandre Ayton or Jackson Hayes, which has proven effective in boosting their offensive rebounding rate.
When Kleber and Hayes play together, they see above-average results. Coupling Kleber with Ayton can yield elite offensive rebounding numbers.
Possession Battle
During the regular season, Doncic and Reaves were key players, combining for impressive numbers.
No single player can replicate the dynamic production they brought to the team.
Yet, there are still ways for the Lakers to build on their strengths.
Though they rank among the best in possession battles, they could push this further.
While they’re already good at drawing fouls, they need to focus on grabbing offensive rebounds more effectively, perhaps by employing starting lineups that emphasize size.
Transition Defense
Defensive consistency has been a mixed bag for the Lakers.
So, if their offensive potency wanes, it doesn’t necessarily mean their defensive duties will ease up.
To counteract this, committing more intensity to defense is crucial, especially compared to their performance against the Mavericks.
Despite only 12 turnovers, the team allowed significant points off those mistakes, making it challenging to keep pace.
Slow Down
Every point counts now, but the pace of play needs careful consideration.
James can speed up plays effectively and scores exceptionally well in transition.
Other players, like Hayes and Ayton, also contribute to fast breaks. But the team must avoid pushing too hastily without a solid ball handler. Transition errors can not only lose rebound opportunities but also leave the defense exposed.
