Should We Start Worrying About the Lakers?

When the 2019-20 NBA season started last year, it was the first time that I was truly excited to watch the team in hopes of winning the championship. Obviously, that goal was fulfilled and the Lakers ended up winning the title. Part of the reason why I was so confident that they would win was because of how dominant they were in the regular season. They would blow out teams with ease (especially below .500 teams), AD and LeBron would have consistent dominant performances, the chemistry was insane as the team clicked instantly, and AD avoided major injuries for the whole year. Watching the Lakers this season so far, it’s a whole different story.

Last year, the Lakers were off to a 24-3 start which was absolutely crazy. I couldn’t believe that my favorite team was this good again after missing the playoffs for seven straight years. This year everything feels different. The Lakers are off to a 22-9 start which definitely isn’t bad. However, when you look at how they have won most of their games, it can make the average fan begin to worry a little. A few weeks ago, the Lakers were on a 7 game winning streak. Other than the win against the Nuggets, this may have been the weakest win streak in franchise history. Teams such as the Thunder and the Pistons took them to OT and the Lakers were barely able to squeak out with the dub. Obviously, a win is a win, however; you must admit that this Lakers team does not look dominant so far.

During the offseason, Rob Pelinka added a lot of new players to a team and everyone was impressed since we were able to trade for Dennis Schröder and sign Montrezl Harrell in free agency. While the team got better on paper, they seemed to be worse when they actually began to play. Once again, the chemistry just isn’t there yet this year. AD was having a somewhat disappointing year for a player of his caliber prior to his injury, and Marc Gasol can barely run at this point. The Lakers have not had a consistent and dominant stretch so far into the season where I can watch them like last year and say, “This team is for sure winning it all this year.” Now, I know some people are thinking about how the team was struggling in regular-season games last year when they got to the bubble. But, once it was time for the playoffs, they were winning with ease. I get that. I definitely haven’t given up on the team. I just think that the Lakers haven’t lived up to everyone’s expectations this year so far even though they are in 2nd place in the Western Conference currently.

The Lakers’ main problem in all these games seems to be the first half, especially the first quarter. While playing against the Thunder and the Grizzlies, they found themselves losing by 20 points in the first quarter. They were still able to come back and win both of those games. However, last night against the Heat, was a perfect example of the consequences that they can expect from a slow start. The Lakers lost the first quarter against the Heat 36-23. They then proceeded to win the second, third, AND fourth quarter but still ended up losing the game. If they weren’t asleep at the start of the game, I am 100% certain that the Lakers would’ve won last night. They need to come into the game and play bully basketball from the get-go and not slow down.

Here’s how the Lakers can get better. First of all, they need to completely focus on their 3 point shooting and defending as well. Watching that Nets game was extremely difficult as they were raining threes down on the Lakers. Meanwhile, the Lakers couldn’t make a three to save their life. That was a problem for the last year as well, but they would still find ways to win. This leads me to the trade-deadline. Before the deadline on March 25th, Rob Pelinka needs to go all out and sign or trade for a shooter and/or a big man. Two things the team desperately needs right now. JJ Redick, DeMarcus Cousins, Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond, etc. will all be available via buyout or trade. This trade deadline is very important and it will determine where the Lakers stand compared to the other contenders in the league.

If someone were to come up to me and ask, “Can this current Lakers team win the whole thing this year?”, I wouldn’t be able to give an instant answer. I would think about it but still, answer yes in the end since I still believe in these guys. I still think the chemistry will improve as the season progresses. However, if the Lakers have the ability to improve the team before the deadline, they should pull the trigger and move forward with it. Come playoff time, I think this team will look different than it does now. All we can do is wait and see what happens. I am confident that the Lakers will be fine in the end.