Led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers have been perennial title contenders for the last few seasons. At 30-26 and ninth in the Western Conference, head coach Darvin Ham’s team will need to play more consistently in the second half if they want to raise their 18th NBA Championship banner this summer.
The Lakers entered the 2023 season with championship aspirations. In 2022, James and company made it to the Western Conference Finals before being swept by the defending NBA Champion Denver Nuggets. With core players such as James, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell returning, the Lakers have an opportunity to make a deep postseason run in 2024. However, L.A. may be forced to manage James’ minutes as the season stretches into March and April. At 39 and in his 20th NBA season, James has been the superstar of each team he has been on. The Lakers will still need production from him, but other players will need to contribute as well.
Heading into the All-Star break, the Lakers orchestrated their current three-game winning streak. When regular season play resumes on February 24, LA will look to ensure their streak continues. One area of improvement the Lakers should focus on as the season progresses is taking better care of the basketball. Through 56 games, they are averaging 13.3 turnovers per game.This average is near the top of the NBA and cannot continue if Los Angeles wants to compete in the Western Conference. One positive for the Lakers going forward is their ability to avoid foul trouble. They currently commit an average of 16.3 fouls per game which is fewest in the league.
If the Lakers want to dethrone the Nuggets this season, recent acquisition Spencer Dinwiddie could help. In his 10th NBA season, Dinwiddie has been a journeyman.
The Lakers are his fourth team since being drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2014. Prior to his arrival in LA, he played in 74 regular season games for the Brooklyn Nets between 2022-2024. He should prove to be a valuable veteran for the Lakers. At only 30, Dinwiddie has plenty of basketball left in him.
Throughout their history, the Los Angeles Lakers have established a winning culture. Last season, they won the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament. They also hold the record for the longest winning streak in NBA history with 33 consecutive victories. With superstar athletes and a propensity for winning, the Lakers should never be counted out.
The Los Angeles Lakers may not be in the playoff conversation as of now. However, it is only a matter of time before Ham’s team is back in the NBA spotlight.
