The Lakers Must Get Serious to Stay Competitive This Season

The Los Angeles Lakers started their season with high hopes, but their recent performances have highlighted a troubling inconsistency. After trading for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton—moves praised for boosting their size, 3-point shooting, and defense—the team appeared poised for a breakthrough. They even climbed to No. 4 in the Western Conference standings. However, a disappointing two-game road trip to Houston and Dallas has thrown their momentum into question.

Momentum Lost in Texas

The Lakers’ road trip began with optimism as they entered Texas with wins in eight of their last 11 games. Yet, the team faltered, losing 119-115 to the Houston Rockets after a dismal first half and suffering an embarrassing 118-97 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks, who were missing stars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. These losses dropped the Lakers to a tie for sixth place in the Western Conference, missing an opportunity to gain ground on Dallas.

“We’ve been playing well, so this definitely sucks,” said LeBron James, expressing frustration after the losses.

Inconsistent Defense and Rotations

Coach JJ Redick admitted to confusion over the team’s defensive schemes, calling it “a disconnect.” Players seemed unsure of their rotations and struggled to execute even basic defensive strategies. The issues were compounded by Jaxson Hayes’ subpar defense since his return, leaving the frontline weakened. The Lakers are now pinning their hopes on Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood, who are both close to returning but may take time to regain form.

An Ongoing Pattern of Inconsistency

The Lakers’ greatest flaw this season has been their inconsistency. They have shown flashes of brilliance, such as a six-game win streak earlier in the season and an 8-3 stretch heading into the Texas trip. Anthony Davis has played like a top-five player at times, and LeBron James has rebounded from a tough shooting stretch to deliver some of his best performances. Additionally, Austin Reaves and Max Christie have stepped up, contributing significantly to both offense and defense.

However, these highs are frequently followed by lows. The team is 7-14 against opponents with winning records, highlighting their struggles against tougher competition. Statistically, their minus-2.4 net rating ranks 20th in the league, closer to a below-.500 team than a true contender.

Challenges Ahead and Immediate Opportunities

The Lakers’ immediate schedule could help them recover. They return to Los Angeles for eight consecutive games, including seven at Crypto.com Arena. The stretch begins with a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday. LeBron James emphasized the need to move on quickly, saying, “We can’t dwell on it too much. That’s the name of the game in the NBA.”

What Lies Ahead for the Lakers?

The Lakers have shown they can be a top-10 team in offense and defense, but they lack the focus and seriousness to sustain that level consistently. If they aspire to compete for a championship, they must overcome their mental lapses and approach every game with the intensity required to win at the highest level.

Will they rise to the occasion or continue their cycle of ups and downs? With nearly half the season remaining, the Lakers’ fate is in their hands.