Lakers Back to Original Starting Lineup, Seek Defensive Consistency

Ham’s Experimentation with Starting Five Continues

In an ongoing quest for a consistent and effective starting lineup, Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham has once again reshuffled his cards, reverting to the lineup he began the season with in a 112-105 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers now stand at 20-21 for the season, with a 3-3 record using this particular starting group.

Offensive Prowess versus Defensive Stability

Ham’s decision to return to the original lineup was driven by a desire to maximize shot-making and skill around his two star players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The lineup features Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Taurean Prince alongside James and Davis, combining offensive firepower with some defensive prowess.

However, the team’s defensive performance remains a concern, as evidenced by their struggles against the Thunder. Despite holding Oklahoma City to relatively low shooting percentages, the Lakers allowed 13 offensive rebounds, resulting in a 21-9 deficit in second-chance points.

Davis Emphasizes Defensive Improvement

Anthony Davis acknowledged the team’s offensive potential with this lineup but stressed the importance of defensive solidity. He believes that their ability to play defense consistently will be the key to securing more victories.

“We’ve got to be better defensively. We’ve got to be more solid. We can’t give up easy baskets. We’ve got to make teams work for everything they get.” – Anthony Davis

James Calls for Collective Rebounding Effort

LeBron James highlighted the need for collective rebounding to support Davis, who often carries a heavy load on the boards. He emphasized the importance of sharing the ball offensively, minimizing turnovers, and providing defensive assistance to one another.

“We’ve got to rebound the basketball. It’s not just AD’s job, it’s everybody’s job. We’ve got to make sure we’re boxing out, we’re getting bodies on people, and we’re coming down with the rebounds.” – LeBron James

Trade Deadline Considerations

The Lakers’ performance with this lineup will influence their decision-making as the February 8 trade deadline approaches. Ham acknowledged the possibility of seeking improvements if opportunities arise, but he also expressed confidence in the current roster’s potential if they can focus, execute details, and maximize their collective strengths.

With a number of intriguing players potentially available on the trade market, the Lakers could look to make a move to bolster their roster. However, they will need to carefully weigh the potential benefits of a trade against the risk of disrupting the chemistry they have built with their current group.

Conclusion

The Lakers’ search for a stable and effective starting lineup continues, with Ham opting to return to the original combination of James, Davis, Reaves, Russell, and Prince. While the lineup boasts offensive firepower, defensive consistency remains a challenge. The team’s performance in the coming games will shape their approach to the trade deadline, as they weigh the need for potential roster improvements against the belief that they have enough talent within the current group to achieve success.

As the Lakers navigate the remainder of the season, their ability to find a consistent rhythm on both ends of the floor will be crucial in determining their playoff fate. With James and Davis leading the charge, they have the potential to be a formidable force. However, they will need to collectively raise their defensive intensity and execute Ham’s game plan if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs.