As the Los Angeles Lakers reach the quarter-mark of the 2024-25 NBA season, the team finds itself in a familiar position: navigating the challenges of high expectations, injury concerns, and the ever-present spotlight that comes with having LeBron James on the roster. With a 12-8 record after 20 games, the Lakers have shown flashes of brilliance but also areas of concern under new head coach JJ Redick.
The Lakers currently sit at +2200 odds to win the NBA championship in the basketball betting markets, placing them squarely in the middle of the pack among contenders. This reflects the team’s solid but unspectacular start to the season and the uncertainty surrounding their ability to compete with the league’s elite teams.
Making History
One of the most intriguing storylines of the season has been the addition of Bronny James to the roster, fulfilling LeBron’s long-stated desire to play alongside his son in the NBA. The father-son duo has provided some memorable moments on the court, but Bronny’s integration into the team has been a gradual process. The rookie has been splitting time between the NBA and G League as he adjusts to the professional level and works to carve out a consistent role in the rotation.
LeBron James, now in his 22nd NBA season at the age of 39, continues to defy Father Time with his play. However, there have been signs that age may finally catch up to the four-time MVP. James has experienced shooting slumps and minor injuries, including a recent knee issue that raised eyebrows when he appeared limping during a game. Despite these concerns, LeBron is still producing high, averaging near his career norms in points, rebounds, and assists.
New Coach, New Direction
New head coach JJ Redick has brought a fresh perspective to the Lakers, implementing changes to both the offensive and defensive systems. Redick has emphasized a more balanced attack, reducing LeBron’s ball-handling responsibilities and increasing Anthony Davis’s touches in the post. This strategy has shown promise, with the Lakers improving to 5th in offensive efficiency, scoring 117.0 points per 100 possessions.
However, Redick’s tenure has not been without challenges. The team’s transition defense has been a glaring weakness, ranking last in the league in points allowed per possession in transition. This issue has been emphasized in team meetings and practices, but improvement has slowly materialized.
Injuries Still an Issue
Injuries have once again significantly impacted the Lakers’ season. Anthony Davis missed time due to an eye injury, while other key rotation players have been in and out of the lineup. These absences have forced Redick to juggle lineups and rely heavily on the team’s depth, which has been both a blessing and a curse. A short-handed lineup knocked off the Utah Jazz for their 12th win, but they probably do not have enough to beat a playoff-caliber team when banged up.
The Lakers’ supporting cast has shown flashes of potential, with players like Austin Reaves continuing to develop and new additions making contributions. However, consistency remains an issue, particularly in the backcourt, where the team has struggled to find reliable shooting and playmaking outside of LeBron.
Early Season Rumors
Trade rumors have swelled around the team, as is often the case with the Lakers. The front office is reportedly exploring options to bolster the roster, focusing on adding shooting and defensive help. Names like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan have been mentioned in speculative reports, though no concrete deals appear imminent.
One of the Lakers’ most positive developments has been their performance in close games. The team has shown resilience and composure in tight situations, evidenced by their 4-1 record in games decided by three points or less. This ability to close out close contests bodes well for their playoff prospects, should they maintain this clutch performance.
The Lakers face a crucial stretch of games that will test their mettle against some of the league’s top teams. How they fare in these matchups could go a long way in determining their trajectory for the rest of the season and potentially influence any trade deadline decisions.
20 Game Report Card
Assessing the Lakers’ performance through 20 games, it’s clear that the team is still a work in progress. The 12-8 record is respectable but not quite at the level many expected, given the talent on the roster. Coach Redick’s systems are showing promise offensively, but defensive issues, particularly in transition, need to be addressed urgently.
LeBron James remains the team’s centerpiece, but managing his minutes and workload will be crucial as the season progresses. The development of Bronny James and the continued growth of young players like Austin Reaves will be key storylines to watch.
As the Lakers move into the next phase of the season, they’ll need to find more consistency on both ends of the floor, stay healthy, and potentially make a move or two to address their weaknesses if they hope to climb the Western Conference standings and improve their championship odds. With LeBron James still playing at a high level and Anthony Davis anchoring the frontcourt, the potential for a deep playoff run remains. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, and how the Lakers navigate them will determine how this season ends.