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Read MoreIt can be easy to look too far ahead in life. To project into the future may may or may not occur. In the case of being a fan of the Lakers it’s almost easier to look back and see all that could have gone better, or in some cases, worse. When it comes to the start of the 2024-25 season I have, thus far, resisted the urge to define what this Lakers team will look like and prioritize. Too many variables left unaccounted for over the summer. Sure, we brought back the same roster, but folks tend to forget that Vincent and Vando barely played, Rui wasn’t available for the first month or so with a calf strain and then again for a couple weeks when he had the nasal fracture. The piling on Darvin Ham started early and didn’t really let up due both to his roster indecisiveness and some curios in-game choices that led to losses. New coaching blood was brought in, along with a couple rookies, and so everyone seemed to expect a sort of repeat from last season. That narrative ignores a lot of facts and when those are taken into account it’s not as surprising we’re not having de ja vu this season but getting a fresher, more exciting outcome.
- The emergence of Anthony Davis. It’s not often you see a player take a step forward this late in their career. I can honestly say I have never seen AD this dominant, confident and forceful in his play. Nothing tangible has changed much; looking at his shot chart it’s the same batch of AD type shots he’s always taken. What’s changed is both his demeanor (pissed off and hungry for respect he feels is lacking) and the team’s focus on getting him the ball early and not just on post ups. If you watch the best all around centers (Jokic and Sabonis) they get the ball above the free throw line out to the three point line and make reads off of that. They function in spots Kobe used to operate from and then, when he had the perfect Robin to his Bat Man in Pau Gasol, he ceded those spots to the Big Spaniard in favor of letting him generate easy offense in the half court. That never meant the iso game went away, it was simply relied upon a lot less and the team benefitted from it instantly. So, too, has this change elevated the laker offense as a whole. Gone are the muddy possessions where two or three players are operating out of the elbows, the corner and the arc three point line. That allowed the defense to load up on AD more and cut off driving lanes. These sets, to me, look vaguely like old triangle sets. AD at the elbow up to the three point line, a single shooter stationed down in the corner and another player moving through space creating the angled set of the same name: a triangle. I’ll get more into this idea down yonder but this kind of action has allowed AD to score, make a play for others and elevate the entire team in the doing.
- LeBron still LeBron. I kinda started to wonder…was this what he was going to look like all season? Under 20 ppg, decent impact, solid all around play, but markedly less impact than hoped for but we were winning so who cares? Cue Saturday night and a dominant 4th quarter run that put the Lakers firmly in the driver’s seat to close out the win. It’s good to know that the ultimate safety valve can still dial it up when needed. I also liked his post game comments about not needing to do that all game because we’re a team. It’s that camaraderie that we’ll need more of when the games get harder, possibly as soon as tonight on the road, to help weather storms and bumpy patches.
- Using the rookie right. Dalton Knecht is being used in the exact right way. He’s playing about 7-8 minutes/half and not generally in crunch time moments allowing him to both build up stamina (and hopefully avoid a rookie wall later in the season) and build up his confidence at the same time, although watching him play makes me think he doesn’t really lack for confidence. Still I’d rather see him continue in this way with a really specific role for the young man and let him grow into his talent rather than trying to rush things along because he’s had a nice stretch of play. Being the microwave scorer off the bench while playing a steady game in this role is the perfect way to incubate a rookie who you don’t necessarily need to rely on consistently just yet.
- The struggles of Max Christie. It’s not that he’s playing poorly, he’s making the right play in front of him, for the most part, and not forcing anything. It’s just that he won’t have a role when Vando comes back which will hopefully be before Thanksgiving. Max is too light to guard the bigger NBA players he often gets switched onto in our defensive schemes, isn’t aggressive enough (or frankly good enough) to be a microwave scorer, and generally looks like he’s topped out his skill set and talent at this point out there. Yes, I know we gave him a big deal early in free agency (and have often wondered why) but when Jarred returns there won’t be a role for him and even Hayes’ minutes could suffer a bit based on matchups. On the upcoming road trip I see two games where Max’s minutes will probably go to Bronny: in Cleveland for a Father/Son homecoming of sorts and maybe in Detroit if Max continues to have a willowy impact. Bronny could also see some action on the back-to-back in Toronto and let Vincent rest a game on the bench. Back to Max, he needs to find a higher level of aggression. I don’t need him to be the next Lou Williams but his presence needs to be felt and too often it simply is not.
- Coach Reddick pushing the right buttons so far. The honeymoon continues and the wins keep coming so what’s not to like? The rotations, mainly due to good health this season so far, have looked better. The biggest add has been off ball activity from our guards and wings from the corner spots. The defense has showed us some different looks and it will be interesting to see what ole Vando has/gets when he comes back. But, for me, the overall movement on offense and quick decisions we’re seeing are what’s setting Coach Reddick apart from his predecessor. As illustrated above, we’re seeing some triangle 101 type action to create movement and flow. This opens up backdoor cuts, defensive indecision which allows for quick scores, and a general “share the wealth” vibe which behooves great basketball. A lot fewer iso sets is always welcome, in my opinion. Not forcing threes because it’s 2024 and there’s only one way that everyone thinks basketball need be played now is always welcome. Enabling guys like Reaves and AD to make plays for others so the burden shifts away from LeBron having to do everything or relying on DLo to go off. This style of hoops has opened up Rui and Reave’s games a lot and here’s hoping this is the new status quo.
Next up, a 5 game roadie starts tonight in Phoenix who likely would like to whup us pretty good. Great test of all the principles outlined above and here’s hoping we keep the good times rolling.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Good observation. I suppose “giving up” is a tad strong, just getting harder to see where he fits in on a competitive roster given his developmental challenges.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Funny.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
https://x.com/LakerTom/status/1850698188543709346
LOS ANGELES – Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ 131-127 win against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, the main focus postgame was the fourth quarter explosion by LeBron James. But also important in the Lakers’ win was the backcourt performance of D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves.
While D’Angelo Russell’s name was in trade rumors throughout the offseason, he remained on the Lakers’ roster and is one half of their starting backcourt along with Austin Reaves. Through three games, the duo has gotten off to a solid start.
Following the Lakers’ win over the Kings, Russell spoke about his continued chemistry with Reaves in the backcourt and why he believes they have an advantage against their opponents each game.
“We complement each other the best we can. I have a great feel for where he’s at and where he’s gonna be, and vice versa,” Russell said. “I think that’s an advantage that we have. We spend a lot of time with each other off the court, it carries over to our advantage when we’re on the court.”
Against the Kings, Russell and Reaves had 16 points each. Reaves dished out six assists while Russell dished out five. Russell shot 6-of-11 from the field and 3-of-6 from the three-point line. Reaves shot 7-of-12 from the field and 2-of-4 from the three-point line.
After James’ scoring outburst, when the Kings had cut the Lakers’ lead down to seven, 116-109, Reaves dished a pass to Russell who knocked down a big three-point shot to give the Lakers a little breathing room. While nothing is ever absolute, Russell and Reaves are the making the case for them to continue playing together rather than the front office making a trade.
D’Angelo Russell’s start to 2024-25 season for Lakers
Ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season, D’Angelo Russell was probably the most popular bet to be moved at some point during a trade. He was coming off a back t0 back poor playoff performances against the Denver Nuggets which had fans questioning if he could be relied upon to come through in the postseason.
Russell had the opportunity to hit unrestricted free agency this past offseason, but he made the decision to opt into his contract for this year keeping him in the purple and gold for at least one more season. That is of course barring any trade.
During the Lakers’ 3-0 start, Russell has been solid. As he continues to share backcourt duties with Reaves, he’s played his role in terms of serving as another ball-handler, as well as getting more off-ball reps. He’s currently averaging 10.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.7 steals in 32 minutes per game.
His shooting percentages may not be exactly what you would want from a starting guard (37.9 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from three-point range), but it’ll be interesting to see if he’s able to carry the momentum from the Kings win into the Lakers’ upcoming road trip.
From Russell’s perspective, the team overall can keep this momentum going due to JJ Redick and the new coaching staff.
“JJ and his coaching staff are well-prepared. I think that preparation is what’s getting us these wins. There’s obviously adversity and ups and downs throughout the game, but they find a way to adjust and respond and put our best players in the best position to find their niche throughout the game,” Russell said.
The Lakers begin a five-game road trip with a game against the Phoenix Suns on Monday.
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I’m rooting for DLO but he needs to be aggressive and be our volume 3-point shooter. He seems to be very passive so far. We need him to go off on at least 3 or 4 of these 5 games on the road.
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Is this where you thought the Lakers would be 3 games in? 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/qNY6JidAAh
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) October 27, 2024
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Been awhile, huh?
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Wouldn’t surprise me if Lakers had a similar incredible start to this season.
If Rob smells championship, he might do the unexpected and go all-in on a major blockbuster trade. https://t.co/02VMFqAMIf
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) October 27, 2024
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Michael H wrote a new post
Aloha,
The Lakers start to the season has been impressive. Not just the wins but wins against quality teams. What’s more impressive is they are doing it while trying to learn a new system. There are a lot of kinks to work out but it’s great to win while you are still trying to figure it out.
Actually the Lakers could have blown all three teams out if they hadn’t shot themselves in the foot. If we shot even 25% from 3 we would have blown the TWolves out. We had good looks, just missed. While the Suns shot an insane percentage from 3 early, the 7 early turnovers were as responsible for that 22 point deficit as the Suns shooting. And last night 19 turnovers fueled the Kings transition game. I don’t mind a turnover when it’s due to a great defensive play but I hate sloppy turnovers. Austin and LeBron accounted for 11 of them. They are both gamblers but there were just to many forced passes into tight windows. I see turnovers as our number one problem right now but it’s nice to win even when we are turning it over.
LeBron had sat back and played a supporting role in the first two games. But the Kings were determined not to let AD beat them and doubled and tripled him all night. So LeBron said fine, be that way and proceeded to score 16 points in under 3 minutes, on his way to an impressive 33 point, 14 boards and 10 assists game. He reminded the league that you have to pick your poison. You maybe able to shut one star down but not both.
And AD, 30 points. That’s 3 30 point game in a row.Considering the effort the Kings put into stopping him, those 30 points must have been disappointing for the Kings.
Rui continued his fine play with 18 points and 9 boards. He is becoming quite the master at finding seams along the baseline for easy baskets. He’s also shooting 50% from 3 so far this season. Not bad.
DLO finally broke out of his shooting slump. He is to good of a shooter not to. 3 for 6 from 3 is more like it. I think he has been the biggest victim of the new AD centric scheme. I think JJ will need to find him a few more looks a game.
Austin was Austin. He continued to rebound, defend and knock down his 3’s. Just need to take better care of the ball. Those 6 turnovers were way too many.
Max continues to struggle while Dalton continues to shine. When Vando comes back he will be the 6th man and come in for LeBron. But it very well could be Dalton coming in for Austin when he needs a break.As long as Dalton can continue to compete on defense, his offense will win him the job.
When you think of 3 point shooting, which is more important. The Lakers made 14 on 34 attempts while the Kings made 15 on 44 attempts. It’s the made number that’s important.
So it’s the Suns next to begin a 5 game road trip followed by a tough Cav’s team. Thats 5 games against contenders, one back to back and a long road trip to start the season. The schedule makers didn’t do the Lakers any favors but we are still 3 and 0. Not bad.
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Not bad indeed, Michael. Great post. You have to love how JJ has gotten this team off to a great start despite not having three important bigs is a testament to how widespread his impact has been. It’s rare to see so many positive signs in so little time.
What’s most impressive has been JJ finally engineering the long talked about handing over of the Lakers’ torch to Anthony Davis, with a cute reminder from the King that he can still be the GOAT whenever the Lakers might need it.
Reaves, Rui, and DLO all played great, as did Dalton and Jaxson. Christie won’t survive once Vando or Wood returns. Dalton will take his minutes. If Wood and Vando are both healthy, we may see a 10-man rotation. Wish we would get word how long before Koloko will be ready to play.
Lakers obviously still need a backup center and point-of-attack perimeter defender, although the presence on the roster of Koloko and Vanderbilt provide possible in-house solutions.
If Lakers look like legitimate contenders, Rob might spend the picks to after a couple of major upgrades that could be difference makers, like Marcus Smart and/or Robert Williams. At any rate, Lakers are in excellent position and may not need a trade other than one to dump JHS, Lewis, and Reddish and open up a couple of roster spots.
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![Profile picture of Michael H]()
Tom, I don’t think that Smart is a smart move for the Lakers. He is an offensive liability. 11 points per, 39% from the field and 32% from 3 for his career. He is would destroy our spacing. Not to mention I don’t know who we would trade for him. DLO is a poor fit for the Griz because of his defense. When you have defenders like Vando and Gabe you can call on for D, we just don’t need him. As for Williams, he’s been out sense Oct 3 with yet another injury. His risk is not worth the benefit. By the way he has never even taken a 3 in the NBA.
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
We’ll have to A2D on Smart, Michael. I think he is still an elite point-of-attack defensive player, which is something we’re going to need, and a point guard. That’s a unique combination. A Smart/Reaves backcourt would be elite.
I also love Smart’s heart and think he’s the kind of player the Lakers need. He may not be as good a point guard offensively as Jrue Holiday but he’s just as good a defender and a perfect for the Lakers. Worth a pick imo.
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![Profile picture of Michael H]()
Tom he’s not close Holiday. Holiday has an offensive game. Smart isn’t even a good assist man. 4 a game is not stellar. If you want to run the offense through AD you have to have shooters around him. Smarts man would be able to double AD, because no one fears Smarts shooting. We have defenders we can plug in if needed. I rarely say never but I believe that Smart is even on the Lakers radar. Besides we don’t have anyone the Griz would want. Smart is their lone starting perimeter defender. Not happening
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LakerTom wrote a new post
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LakerTom wrote a new post
https://x.com/LakerTom/status/1850595433627988186
The 2023-24 Los Angeles Lakers underachieved to the point of frustration. Head coach Darvin Ham wasted a year of good health from Anthony Davis and LeBron James to build a monument against spacing. They were immensely talented, but profoundly rudderless. Outschemed at every turn, the Lakers were passive in everything they did and deserved their first-round loss to the Denver Nuggets. But under new head coach JJ Redick, this year’s squad plays more inspired basketball, which is a step in the right direction.
The Lakers are off to a 3-0 start, with wins against three teams that finished ahead of them in the West last season. Each victory has allowed them an opportunity to flash different strengths. In the 110-103 season-opener win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the defense played perfectly, forcing Anthony Edwards to either take tough shots or dump it off to Rudy Gobert or Julius Randle in space. On offense, the Lakers fed Anthony Davis, who came into the season after a great run at the Olympics, looking slimmer and bouncier. Davis is too skilled to be stuck in the corner or set a bunch of meaningless screens. Instead, his team has prioritized getting him the ball in situations where he can make quick decisions.
Davis can be a high-level passer, even if he didn’t get to show it off much last season. Coached by Ham, the Lakers ran a Stone Age offense: One guy would do one thing, and everyone else sort of stood around. What Redick has introduced is more in line with today’s game but feels groundbreaking just by comparison. The Lakers move the ball quickly and decisively, with great spacing around the primary action. Redick has them running beautiful sets, and even when they lean more heavily into James creating out of simple pick-and-rolls, the team seems more dedicated to passing and moving then they ever did under Ham. After years of constipated ball movement, they’re fun to watch again.
In Saturday’s game against the Sacramento Kings, Davis struggled against his nemesis Domantas Sabonis. No matter. James took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 points and finishing with a dominant 32-point triple-double in a 131-127 victory. The scoring barrage forced Sacramento to bend its defense toward James, and on the two most critical plays of a tremendous scoring run, he made the simple play: a pass out of a double team for a Davis three to extend the lead, and a dump-off for a Rui Hachimura dunk to seal the win.
It’s remarkable that the Lakers feel like a new team despite only minor changes to the roster. Gabe Vincent has recovered from a knee injury, and rookie Dalton Knecht has looked confident and springy, but there was no total overhaul this summer. The logical next step is to look at the difference in coaching. Designing complicated plays and running a sophisticated offense is great, but it doesn’t take a genius to determine that Anthony Davis should get the ball often. Doing the simple things right is a big part of coaching, and Redick is clearly very competent. As Kings head coach Mike Brown kept his best defender Keon Ellis on the bench last night, Redick gassed his players up and maintained pressure.
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JJ Redick and Dalton Knecht were the only significant changes in the off-season.
Lakers still had an A+ off-season 📈
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) October 27, 2024
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I alway laugh when I hear fans say coaching doesn’t matter in the NBA, that talent and injuries determine who wins. Lakers fans getting a revealling dose of how important coaching is but how important it is to a franchise with unprove ownership and management to suddenly have a new head coach with a vision.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
https://x.com/LakerTom/status/1850588748771397926
It may only be three games into the 2024-25 NBA season, but LeBron James and Anthony Davis showed why they’re more than capable of leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a championship come June with their towering performances against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.
They were two of six Lakers players who scored in double figures on the affair. Against a talented Kings team with title aspirations of their own, L.A. made a statement as a team, from the top down.
Davis is now averaging 34 points, 11 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game and looks like an early candidate to come out on top of the first NBA MVP ladder once a large enough sample size is seen from the league’s best, as he’s led Los Angeles to a 3-0 start to the campaign, good for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, James is comfortably settled into his role as L.A.’s No. 2 option offensively, with 23 points and 7.3 assists to his name thus far. He’s also taken a modest 17 field goal attempts per game by his standards — his lowest average for his career.
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While this version is new to Lakers, we've actually seen this movie before. AD and LeBron appear to be reprising their Olympic run, smoothly dominating while surrounded by a talented starting lineup and rotation and inspired by dynamic young coaching guru-on-the-rise JJ Redick. https://t.co/C8Uz9QFjRM
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) October 27, 2024
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Whenever Vanderbilt or Wood are healthy & ready to play, Redick needs to bench Christie & give shooting guard minutes to Dalton Knecht. JJ also needs to move to 10-man rotation if a healthy Koloko shows he can protect rim when AD rests. Lakers need trade to open roster spots. https://t.co/Nrrep6iOnU
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) October 27, 2024
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Max has been disappointing as Austin’s backup. Unless he starts playing a lot better, he’s likely to be the player in the current 9-man rotation who will be replace once either Vando or Wood get healthy.
In fact, there’s a good argument that Christie is the likely loser even if he were to play better. Knecht is quickly becoming destined to be the Lakers’ 6th man. Gabe is the closing point guard. And Hayes size is critical. So Vando or Wood when healthy will replace Christie.
There’s also a good argument that both Vando and Wood should get minutes during the regular season, which could easily be done by expanding to 10-man rotation. Can’t play 10 now because we’re short handed. When we get Wood and Vando back, that changes.
Finally, I’m hoping Koloko can become the backup center to protect the rim when AD sits. He would then replace Hayes in the rotation. The improvement in Harris’ game has made him a keeper for depth.
If Koloko can man the b/u center role, then the only trade we need is to get open roster spots by moving JHS, Lewis, and Reddish. Add Koloko and Lonnie Walker to main roster and go with 14 players.
If team really does sensational and is near top of West, then we move DLO and two picks for a third star. I still would love to see Lakers go after Robert Williams. He would make us an elite defensive team. Right now, we’re middle of the road. That could change once we get our three missing bigs back.
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For the first time this season, Dalton Knecht led the Lakers in minutes off the bench in last night's win over the Kings. Wouldn't surprise me if that becomes permanent.
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) October 27, 2024
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There’s a possible future Lakers’ Universe where the starting backcourt consists of Austin Reaves and Dalton Knecht.
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![Profile picture of Michael H]()
i agree Tom that Dalton will leap frog Max in the rotation. But Vando will be the 6th man and come in for Lebron with Rui sliding down to the 4. currently its Max with that job. I think Dalton will continue to come in for Austin, which will push Max into spot duty. As for trading 3 guys. We only have 4 2nd rounders and its hard for me to see how we could swing that in the current enviorment. best case would a team with significant injuries that Cam could help. may not need a pick. as for DLO i dont know what star we could land. A star would requre more salary then DLO alone and if you add more rotation players to the trade it weakens us in other areas. if we are playing well as a unit and our true contenders i dont see a reason to trade DLO, especially since Austin has been defending so well.
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
We’re probably having an argument over the semantics of 6th man, which to me is your electric scorer off the bench. I tagged Knecht as our 6th man because he’s likely to be our top scorer off the bench.
I’m hoping Vando will be equally valuable coming off the bench due to his perimeter defense. We both know his staying healthy and playing like he did before getting hurt last year would be a huge boost for us defensively.
We’re still the #5 offense and #7 net rating but have slipped to #18 defense. Winning with three important bigs in Vanderbilt, Wood, and Koloko unavailable is clearly a good sign.
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
I sorry but these Christie minutes be rough.
Like Jaxon, you have to keep him in a minimal role. He CAN'T be a playmaker with the ball, his handle and passing is just too shaky. This is his chance to lock up minutes cause when Wood and Vando come back it's gonna be shaky on PT
— CL Owens 🏀 🇺🇸 (@CSmoove_Sports) October 27, 2024
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Lakers 10-Man Rotation
After trade of JHS, Reddish, Lewis, and multiple second rounders for three open roster spots:
PG: Russell/Vincent/Bronny
SG: Reaves/Knecht/Christie
SF: James/Vanderbilt/OPEN
PF: Hachimura/Wood/OPEN
CE: Davis/KOLOKO/Hayes— LakerTom (@LakerTom) October 27, 2024
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LakerTom wrote a new post
JJ Redick is 3-0 👀 pic.twitter.com/bCqocuwqve
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 27, 2024
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JJ Redick mentions the Knecht three to start the 4th as a big shot.
"Are you ready to make a shot," JJ asked him before the 4th.
"I'm always ready…" Knecht said.— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) October 27, 2024
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Re-watching Lakers-Kings. LeBron is ridiculous. LA, as promised, making @AntDavis23 an offensive hub. Dalton Knecht looks more comfortable by the game. Great start for the Lakers.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) October 27, 2024
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LakerTom wrote a new post
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Lakers just might have the Best Player in Today’s NBA and the Greatest Of All Time player.
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AD skipping the DPOY & coming for the MVP.
— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) October 27, 2024
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Nice 5er Jaime, I agree with everything thing except one point. I don’t believe Max has tap out on his potential. The Kids 21. Dalton is 2 years older. For the most part I have liked his defensive energy but you are right, his offense leaves a lot to be desired. And you are also correct with Vando. When he comes back he will be coming in for LeBron, not Max. With Dalton filling the role of Austin’s backup Max will probably be reduced to spot minutes. Although I still am not sure if a 9 man rotation is best over a long season. Our first 3 games have been against 3 quality teams and it’s early so the heavy starter minutes are justified. But as the season progresses I think it would be wise to reduce those minutes some. This is where Max could fit in.