The Los Angeles Lakers are off to their best start through 25 games since the 2020-21 season, when they entered the year as reigning champions.
At 18-7, the Purple and Gold are building momentum at a point in the calendar when contenders typically begin to separate themselves, and the early returns suggest this version of the Lakers is rounding into form with the postseason in mind.
Sunday’s win over the Phoenix Suns offered a snapshot of why optimism is growing in Los Angeles. Luka Doncic, the league’s leading scorer, paced all players with 29 points and added six assists, continuing to look comfortable as the focal point of the offense. LeBron James complemented him with 26 points and two blocks, delivering another late-game reminder of his ability to control outcomes on both ends of the floor.
The Lakers are a really good basketball team
The performance underscored how dangerous this team can be when its stars are engaged late. Deandre Ayton added another layer to the win with 20 points and 13 rebounds against his former team, recording his 10th double-double and providing interior stability as the Suns tried to claw back into the game.
Beyond the record, the numbers point to a team that is still figuring out its best combinations but already showing a high ceiling. Lineups featuring James, Doncic, and Austin Reaves together have been outscored by 8.9 points per 100 possessions in a limited 108-minute sample.
However, the larger picture is far more encouraging. In 418 minutes with any two of the three on the floor without the third, the Lakers have outscored opponents by 13.9 points per 100 possessions, fueled largely by offensive efficiency. In those minutes, Los Angeles has posted an impressive 124.7 points per 100 possessions, a mark that speaks to the flexibility and firepower of the roster.
Doncic and James show dominance
Doncic and James have played only 35 minutes together without Reaves, partly due to both stars missing games last week, but every two-man combination has shown promise. That balance suggests the Lakers are not dependent on a single lineup to succeed, a valuable trait as rotations tighten in the playoffs.
At 18-7, this start represents more than a statistical milestone. It hints at what a fully synced Doncic-James partnership could look like when the stakes rise. If the offense continues to hum and the defensive effort seen in late-game moments becomes more consistent, the Lakers will enter the postseason as a team capable of matching up with anyone. For now, Los Angeles is catching fire at the right time, and the league is taking notice.
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