Lakers Come Out of All-Star Break In a Deep Slump
The Lakers have come out of the break just 1-3 and are in the midst of a 3-game losing streak to Boston, Orlando, and Phoenix.
The Lakers, who’ve been one of the best clutch teams in the league, have had their last two losses handed to them within the final seconds of play. On Tuesday vs Orlando, the Lakers gave up an offensive rebound off a Paolo Banchero miss, resulting in Wendell Carter Jr. scoring the winning basket for the Magic. Orlando won 110-109.
Then, on Thursday night in Phoenix, the Lakers’ defense collapsed, allowing a game-winning wide-open three-pointer to Royce O’Neale. L.A. then drew up a great ATO (after time out) play with 0.9 seconds to give Austin Reaves a great look to tie the game, but he didn’t convert. The loss comes despite Luka Doncic’s 41 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, and Jordan Goodwin did not play for the Suns.
Both of those final defensive possessions highlight the struggles and weaknesses the Lakers have had all season long. Giving up offensive rebounds and not defending the three-ball is usually not a recipe for success in the NBA.
The Suns made twice as many threes as the Lakers on 21 more attempts, shooting 22-50 from deep. While the Lakers didn’t necessarily shoot poorly from three (11-29), the disparity in perimeter shot volume is still alarming.
In the 4 games leading up to Phoenix’s matchup with the Lakers, they averaged 91.3 points and shot 29.2% from three, per StatMuse. They ended up scoring 113 against LAL and shot 44% from downtown.
Frustration and Disconnect
Lakers reporter Mike Trudell asked Austin Reaves what the frustration level is at right now. “Very high”, he said. Reaves last night had 14 points on 5-12 shooting, 2 steals, and had a team-high 4 turnovers. LeBron James had 15 points on 7-16 shooting to go along with 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
Starting center DeAndre Ayton had just 2 points and 4 rebounds in 23 minutes of play. Despite Ayton’s recent struggles, the starting lineup of Doncic, Reaves, Smart, James, and Ayton has been positive on the floor together in their last three losses, with a +12.4 net rating.
What these losses have come down to is effort and communication. It’s not to say that the Lakers don’t compete; they absolutely do. But what has become increasingly noticeable is that any opposing team, no matter the record, feels like it can outwork the Lakers on any given night—especially the stronger, more athletic teams.
While the Lakers have probably hit their lowest mark of the season, there are 24 games left to right the ship and prevent themselves from falling into the Play-In seeds.
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