The Los Angeles Lakers looked like one of the NBA‘s most stable contenders early in the season. A 23-11 start suggested that the roster had found its balance and that consistency, something that has eluded the franchise in recent years, was finally taking hold.
That optimism has cooled quickly. The Lakers enter their next matchup having lost four of their last five games, and the way those losses have unfolded has raised legitimate concerns. It is not just the losing streak itself, but the lack of resistance in several of those defeats.
Three of the four recent losses have come by double digits, and the defense has been a glaring issue. Los Angeles allowed 124 points in one game and 135 in another, numbers that reflect a unit struggling to contain dribble penetration and defend in transition. Over the full season, the Lakers rank 26th in defensive efficiency, a statistic that underscores what has become their most pressing flaw.
The Lakers can compete with anybody on offense
Offensively, the Lakers have still shown the ability to compete with anyone, but the margin for error shrinks significantly when stops are hard to come by. Head coach JJ Redick has acknowledged that inconsistency is part of the league’s reality, but the current stretch has tested the team’s discipline and focus.
“This is how the NBA works over 82 games,” Redick said, adding that the goal is to find consistency rather than overreact to short-term adversity. The upcoming schedule will do the Lakers no favors. They are set to play five games in seven days, beginning with a rest disadvantage against Charlotte before flying to Portland for a weekend back-to-back.
That stretch is followed by an eight-game road trip, all while the NBA trade deadline looms in the background. How the Lakers navigate this period could shape both their standing and their approach to roster decisions.
The Lakers have a “next-man-up” mentality
Players have emphasized a “next-man-up” mentality as the grind intensifies. Jake LaRavia summed up the mindset, noting that every player understands his role and responsibility each time they step on the court. That approach will be tested as the Lakers look to tighten their defensive execution and avoid the type of lapses that have led to lopsided losses.
Despite the recent struggles, Los Angeles remains in a strong position in the Western Conference. The Lakers sit fifth and are only three games behind the San Antonio Spurs for second place, a reminder that the early-season success still provides a cushion.
The challenge now is ensuring that the standard set during the 23-11 start becomes the norm again, rather than the exception. If the Lakers can address their defensive issues and stabilize through this demanding stretch, the early promise of their season does not have to be wasted.
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