Depth defines success in today’s NBA. In the Western Conference, even a brief absence of a star can tilt the standings. Yet through injuries and lineup changes, the Los Angeles Lakers are proving resilient. Despite missing LeBron James for all nine games, Luka Dončić for four, and Austin Reaves for two, Los Angeles owns one of the league’s best starts at 7-2. The record says plenty about the collective strength of JJ Redick’s group.
A Culture Built on Response
After Monday’s improbable win in Portland, where none of the team’s leading creators suited up, Redick pointed to mindset above all else. “You can’t win in the NBA without expecting to win,” he said. “Our guys had that belief right from the start, and it just grew in the second half. It was blossoming.”
That confidence carried into Wednesday’s win over San Antonio, where the Lakers again leaned on depth to climb past the Spurs in the standings. Every player stepping on the floor has provided something necessary — energy, execution, or composure — that has turned early-season adversity into shared opportunity. As the Lakers continue their climb, their combination of unity, resilience, and timely production is hitting at just the right moment — something of a Jackpot King scenario for a team built on shared success rather than individual spotlight.
Stars Show Leadership from the Sidelines
While recovering, James and Dončić have been visible on the bench, actively guiding teammates through huddles and film sessions. That kind of leadership trickles down. The younger players have mirrored it on the court, turning what could have been a rough opening stretch into an early statement.
When Dončić has played, he’s been electric. Across five games, he’s averaged 40 points, 11 rebounds, and just over nine assists on 50 percent shooting. Reaves, in seven appearances, has carried a hefty load himself — more than 31 points and nine assists a night while operating as a primary decision-maker. Their statistical output is rivaling MVP and All-Star levels, but perhaps more telling is how comfortable everyone else has become filling the gaps when those two sit.
Support Across the Rotation
Rui Hachimura has quietly delivered some of the most efficient scoring of his career. Shooting nearly 59 percent from the field and 47 percent from three, his shot selection and patience have improved dramatically. Jaxson Hayes continues to rank among the team’s leaders in true shooting percentage while anchoring the interior with activity and length.
Deandre Ayton’s rim pressure and physical screening have stabilized the offense. He’s giving Los Angeles almost 18 points and nine rebounds per game on better than 65 percent shooting. The often-overlooked Marcus Smart, meanwhile, has been the connective piece on both ends. His relentless defense, leadership, and +69 on-court differential top the team through nine games.
The Lakers are also getting productive surges from role players. Jake LaRavia has carried scoring stretches when the offense stalls, including a string of standout shooting nights on the road. Gabe Vincent, before spraining his ankle, ran the offense smoothly during wins over Minnesota and Sacramento. Jarred Vanderbilt’s defensive pressure and rebounding continue to balance the skill-heavy lineup, giving Redick versatility in both matchups and minutes.
Rising Youth and Newcomer Impact
Dalton Knecht has found rhythm in spot starts, posting consecutive double-figure games and bringing needed spacing. Rookie Bronny James has shown poise beyond his years, earning closing minutes against Miami and making critical defensive plays and assists late. His six assists at Portland highlighted his decision-making at the point of attack. Nick Smith Jr. added his own stamp with a breakout 25-point performance off the bench in that same win, burying crucial second-half threes.
The team’s internal chemistry shines most in those moments when youth and veterans blend seamlessly — exactly the environment Redick envisioned. His early rotations, often featuring experimental combinations, now reflect a sense of continuity rather than chaos.
Redick’s Vision Taking Shape
Asked how his group continues to find ways to win without key stars, Redick cited improvement through clarity. “There’s a level of continuity and simplicity,” he said postgame. “We’re very direct about what actions we’re trying to get, and our timing has improved each game. Offensively, it’s been about better execution combined with effort — that’s what’s growing.”
He pointed to the Minnesota game as a turning point: balanced effort, sharp execution, and dominance in 50-50 situations. That combination of discipline and desire remains the team’s foundation.
Now comes the first extended test: a five-game, 10-day road trip through Atlanta, Charlotte, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, and Milwaukee. It’s the type of stretch that can either expose cracks or further solidify belief. Early signs suggest the Lakers have already discovered something rare in a league often defined by individual star power — sustainable, collective trust.
Inside the locker room, players describe an energy that feels both fresh and focused. There’s hunger, but also patience. Each night, the contributions vary, but the identity remains constant. For a team still integrating Dončić beside LeBron and Reaves, that stability could define their season.
“We’ve got a good group,” Redick said, smiling after Wednesday’s win. “It’s fun to coach them. I’m excited about what we can be.”
