The Los Angeles Lakers have steadily improved their record after a horrendous start to the 2022-23 season. The Purple and Gold franchise has won five of its last six improving its record to 7-11 after starting the season with a 2-10 record.
Several factors played a role in the Lakers’ latest resurgence, and there are reasons for their fans to be optimistic about the team’s future in the 2022-23 season. LeBron James got back from a five-game absence and looked good dropping 39 vs the Spurs Saturday.
Anthony Davis is playing like a Top-10 player in the NBA and the Lakers saw various role players coming into play like Lonnie Walker IV and Austin Reaves.
With that said, here are three takeaways from the Lakers’ latest winning performances.
Anthony Davis carrying the Lakers
LeBron James’ shoulders are still strong enough to carry the Lakers in some games. However, Anthony Davis has been the X-factor for the team during the last six.
Davis had 25 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks in Los Angeles’ win over San Antonio on Friday, continuing a hot stretch of five games in which he has averaged 33.4 points on 64.4% shooting, 17.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks.
This dominant version of Davis pushed the Lakers over the hub, even if 4 of their 5 wins came against the Pistons and the Spurs. When Davis is healthy, it is unfathomably true that the Lakers’ superstar is one of the best players in the NBA.
“AD was the best player in the league over the last four-to-five games,” James told reporters recently. “Just his numbers and productivity on both sides of the floor. It’s not just offensively, but defensively he’s been super engaged, and tonight once again he was amazing.”
Davis has by far the best season of his career during the last three year at this point of the season. He’s already appeared in 16 games, and he’s averaging 26.3 points on 57% shooting and 12.3 rebounds, along with 2.5 assists and 2.2 blocks.
LeBron James showing encouraging signs after recovery
James was bothered by a foot issue that made him miss five games before returning to action Saturday. The Lakers’ veteran superstar has appeared in 12 games and his ability to stay on the floor and having on impact will be vital for the Lakers going forward.
James is shooting the worst percentage of his career since his rookie season making 46.2 percent of his field goal attempts. The same goes for his 3-pointer with 28 percent from beyond the arc.
James certainly cannot be the player he was 3 years ago and single-handedly carry the Lakers to contention, but that’s ok as long as Davis is healthy. On Saturday, James was excellent, doing the usual legendary stuff.
He had 39 points, 11 rebounds, and shot 7-of-12 from 3 — making him the oldest player in the history of the NBA with a 35+, 10+ with seven 3-pointer game. His ability to give those type performances now and then will be vital for the Lakers.
Lakers need to prove themselves against better opponents
Despite the various positives they can take from the latest wins, the Lakers have won four of their six games against tanking teams. The victory vs the Nets was a somewhat good sign considering their opponents had available KD. However, they played without Kyrie and Simmons.
In any case, the LA franchise might need to move some pieces to at least make the playoffs, but until then, the current roster must keep them around the .500. Darvin Ham has made the Lakers a competent team in the defensive end giving them a chance in every game.
The Lakers are ranked 7th among NBA teams in defensive rating with 109 points per 100 possessions, while they’re ranked 10th in opponents FG% keeping the opposing teams to 46.1% from the field.
That’s a positive for the Lakers, who have struggled last season in the defensive end. However, they will need to shoot the ball better and score more points to get wins against the upper tier of the NBA conferences.
The Purple and Gold are only scoring 107.8 points per 100 possessions and they are the 3rd worst team on scoring the ball. Three-point shooting is the biggest reason for that as they are a bottom 3 team from beyond the arc with just 31.9%.
To be able to win at the highest level, the Lakers will need to balanced their offensive production and find ways to be more efficient in the scoring department.
