The Lakers are 6-2 after eight games. The season is very young, but we’ve already learned a lot about what this 2020/21 Lakers team is all about. Today, we’re diving deep into the five things we’ve learned about the Lakers so far.
Starting lineup is established
One thing that’s become clear is that the starting five lineup is established. As long as they’re healthy the starting five line up has been Anthony Davis, Lebron James, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Dennis Schröder, and Marc Gasol.
It’s early in the season so maybe we see some changes later in the season, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the starting lineup you will see all season long. Frank Vogel has shown that he’ll stay with the same rotation and same roles for as long as possible. Now with a championship under his belt, and the success the Lakers have had in 2020/21 already, I don’t see him changing the starting five rotation if everyone is healthy.
Optimizing the bench is key
If the starting lineup is established, than optimizing the bench becomes crucial. Players like Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Wes Matthews, need to be evaluated and put in the best situations to shine. So far, only Montrezl Harrell is playing an optimized role. Kyle Kuzma continues to play up and down, Wes Matthews has played poorly in six of the eight games, and Talen Horton-Tucker needs more time on the floor to develop.
These aren’t the most urgent issues the Lakers have and it is a good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless. When winning a championship you have to optimize and be victorious in the margins. Getting the most out of the role players could be the difference between going back to back, or exiting in the Western Conference Finals. We already know this team is good. We already know this team has at least two future hall of famers. To ensure this team has the best chance to repeat, Frank Vogel has to put that second unit in the best position to succeed.
The offense is better than the defense
Last season the Lakers defense was elite. This year? Not so much. While the Lakers have added offensive fire power with Dennis Schröder, Montrezl Harrell, and even Marc Gasol, this has come at a price of defense. Last season the Lakers had great rim protectors like Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee. These two players left via trade and free agency and rim protectors weren’t brought in to replace them. This has caused a hit to the Lakers defense. You’re no longer getting a defensive spark from the bench. The highlights on the defense side are now slim to none. Far less Lebron chase down blocks, far less fast breaks from steals, and a lot more sloppy play.
I never want to question a teams effort because it’s hard to prove and, in a way, you’re questioning a teams integrity and I don’t like making those claims. However, over the first eight games, I’ve seen slow close outs, players late on rotations, and a lack of boxing out for rebounds. These are mental errors. These are professional, championship winning players. They could easily fix these issues if they stayed focused and locked in. The fact they don’t is frustrating even if it hasn’t impacted the result of the game.
Even if the Lakers would fix all of these issues I don’t think they can reach the dominance of their defense from last year. They’ve lost too many good defenders from last season and while they’ve added great players this season, they’re not known for their defense. To reach their ultimate goal I do think the Lakers need to improve defensively, but not by much. They just need to fix these mental errors and keep their offense at the same quality it’s been at for the season.
Health is key
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Health is key. If the Lakers stay healthy they’ll be favorites to repeat. If they’re not, than they exit the playoffs early. With a global pandemic, a shortened off season, and a jam packed schedule, staying healthy is the most important factor in the Lakers championship pursuit. We know they have the talent. They just need to stay healthy. That means, resting players when needed, staying socially distant, and avoiding any unnecessary health risks. Health is never guaranteed, but the Lakers can do their part in staying as healthy as possible.
Team is king of the crop
At 6-2 the Lakers are the number one team in the west and they haven’t even gotten close to playing at their potential. They are defending champs and have gotten better. They’re winning games playing only about a quarter or so seriously. This team is good. Maybe even all time great. It’s still very early, but if they can optimize the bench, improve the defense, and stay healthy. It’s hard to imagine any team can beat them in a seven game series.
Lakers Takes 