As the 2023-24 NBA season unfolded, Darvin Ham's tenure as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers witnessed its fair share of highs and lows. After a shaky start to the season, culminating in a 21-22 record over their first 43 games, the Lakers’ coaching staff decided it was time for a change.
In a pivotal 44th game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 21, Ham made a bold decision to start LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura together for the first time. The move appeared to pay immediate dividends, as the Lakers triumphed over the Trail Blazers, setting the tone for the remainder of the season.
A New Starting Unit's Impact
This new lineup combination soon became synonymous with success. Over the next 24 games, the Lakers amassed an impressive 18-6 record, outscoring their opponents by 5.5 points per 100 possessions. This strategic reshuffle underscored the Lakers' adaptability and their ability to draw strength from their top five talents, including James, Davis, Reaves, Russell, and Hachimura.
The significant enhancement in the team's performance spoke volumes about the effectiveness of this lineup, particularly in how it allowed each player to showcase their strengths. Offensively, the unit thrived through improved ball movement and scoring efficiency, with James leveraging his peerless basketball IQ to orchestrate plays both as a facilitator and scorer.
Defensive Adjustments and Challenges
However, the new lineup was not without its defensive vulnerabilities. Starting both Reaves and Russell led to some defensive challenges, putting additional pressure on Anthony Davis to anchor the team’s defense. Given Hachimura’s limited role as a perimeter defender, the Lakers had to rely heavily on Davis's defensive prowess to cover multiple areas of the court.
The adjustments on the defensive end were crucial in maintaining the balance for the team. Their success, despite these vulnerabilities, showcased Ham’s strategic acumen and the team’s commitment to cohesive play.
An End to Ham's Tenure and Looking Ahead
As the season came to a close, it was announced that JJ Redick would take over as the head coach for the 2024-25 season. Redick, a former NBA player known for his sharp insights into the game, brought renewed optimism to the Lakers' fanbase.
Addressing the media about his plans, Redick highlighted the versatile role of LeBron James: "LeBron is one of the smartest players, and I think using him as a screener and finding ways to get him the ball in specific spots on the floor where he can be a facilitator and scorer, that's what I mean by being off the ball." This quote encapsulated Redick’s visionary approach to leveraging James in varied, yet impactful ways.
Initial Matchups and Strategic Plans
The Lakers' early schedule for the 2024-25 season is packed with challenging matchups against teams like the Timberwolves, the Suns (twice), the Kings, and the Cavaliers. These games will be crucial in setting the tone for Redick's inaugural season as head coach.
In these matchups, the Lakers will continue to refine their strategies, particularly on the defensive end. Redick’s ability to address the pre-existing defensive shortcomings revealed under Ham will be a key factor to watch. The continued development of players like Reaves and Russell in balancing their offensive and defensive roles remains pivotal.
Reflecting on Changes and Future Prospects
Ham's decision to start James, Davis, Reaves, Russell, and Hachimura together was a defining point of the 2023-24 season, propelling the Lakers to a stronger finish. As Redick assumes the coaching mantle, building on the foundation laid by Ham will be essential. Ensuring the continued synergistic play while mitigating defensive gaps will be a delicate but critical task.
With the collective talent of James, Davis, and the burgeoning skills of Reaves and Russell, the Lakers are poised to be a formidable force in the 2024-25 season. Redick’s innovative coaching approach and strategic finesse could very well be the catalyst that propels this storied franchise back to championship contention.