INDIANAPOLIS — The final three weeks for the Lakers are set to define their season.
They’ve managed to alter some narratives dramatically, bouncing back even after a loss to the Pistons ended their impressive nine-game winning streak.
Initially viewed as mere “championship contenders,” the Lakers have transformed into a more serious threat for the NBA title.
Luka Doncic’s performance has gained him grounding in the MVP race, especially considering earlier doubts regarding his All-NBA First Team selection.
LeBron James has also shown his adaptability, showcasing how vital he is to the Lakers, contrary to the idea that they thrive without him.
Austin Reeves has firmly established himself as the go-to second option on the team.
It’s remarkable how quickly things can shift.
Heading into a critical road trip finale against the Pacers, the Lakers are feeling positive, having won nine of their last 11 games.
And their victories aren’t just against any teams; they’ve taken down some of the league’s best, such as the Knicks, Timberwolves, Nuggets, and Rockets—not to mention debunking the idea that they can’t compete with top-tier teams.
But what has changed for the Lakers to allow such dominance?
MVP Level Play
This recent surge started with Doncic, who seems to be at his peak since joining the Lakers last February.
As of Wednesday, he led the league in scoring, averaging 38.1 points with impressive shooting stats—47.6 percent overall, 38.2 from three-point range, with nearly 14 attempts per game—alongside 8.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 2.7 steals over his last 11 games.
He consistently scored at least 30 points through 10 consecutive games, including a standout 51-point performance against the Bulls and a jaw-dropping 60 points on the road against the Heat.
Doncic has evolved from an All-NBA player to one of the top talents in the world recently.
This level of play has significantly impacted the Lakers’ season.
Deandre Ayton’s Impact
Other role players on the Lakers have stepped up too, but none more so than starting center Deandre Ayton.
After missing substantial time during a road loss to the Nuggets, Ayton has proven to be essential, making him the Lakers’ secret weapon.
He recorded averages of 10.3 points on 69.7 percent shooting and 8.2 rebounds—including 3.5 from the offensive side—over his last 10 games prior to Wednesday.
Though his role has shifted, he’s fulfilling the team’s needs, showing that the version of him the Lakers brought in is the one they truly require as they prepare for the playoffs.
Good Luck Factors
Recognizing the Lakers’ recent good fortune doesn’t diminish their accomplishments during March.
After facing a string of setbacks, it seems they are now reaping some rewards.
Have they benefited simply from opponents struggling to shoot their threes? Or perhaps it’s the clutch shots from Doncic and Luke Kennard in critical moments.
Moreover, they’ve managed to keep most of their rotation intact throughout the month, which is a feat in itself.
It’s clear the Lakers are vastly improved now compared to the beginning of the season.
But, yes, they got lucky. And there’s no shame in that; luck is undeniably part of the equation in achieving success in the NBA.
