The Lakers’ last loss to Atlanta (134-132 after overtime) was especially disappointing because they made an effort. They put out effort and appeared competent, in stark contrast to their performance in the two previous games—the worst statistical totals in two consecutive nights in franchise history (109-80 in Minneapolis and 134-93 in Miami). With the bar so low, it is clear that the Lakers played a very different game in Georgia. They still lost, with seven defeats in nine games (12-11 total), including games highlighted by poor attitudes (against the Nuggets, Wolves, Heat) and games where they competed but made important mistakes against strong teams (Magic, Thunder, Hawks).
Trae Young clinches it with seconds left.
The Lakers’ performance has clearly improved. They even had a particularly strong stretch, going 66-77 in the third quarter despite a 0-13 skid. However, in a disappointing conclusion, they were unable to compete in the minor details—avoiding critical errors that decide close games and negate any positive efforts. They made foolish turnovers at crucial moments, had a disorganized team defense with no identity or specialties, and let up a Trae Young three-pointer with seven seconds remaining due to poor team coordination. Gabe Vincent was absolutely bewildered during his defensive transition with Anthony Davis.
Earlier, the Lakers had a tiny lead (131-132) but lost it due to a bad pass from Davis to LeBron James. James recovered and delivered one of his famous blocks to Dyson Daniels, known as the “chasedown block,” which also resulted in the Lakers regaining possession of the basketball. Perhaps a clean sideline toss would have been sufficient.
The game ended with a jump ball between Daniels (2.01m) and Davis (2.08m). The Lakers also failed to secure that possession. Numerous blunders and minor breakdowns piled, resulting in Trae completing his three-pointer and LeBron missing a buzzer-beating shot, leaving a bitter taste. It was a slap in the face to a team that had put up a lot of energy and effort. They squandered a game that could have featured Davis (38 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists) and LeBron (39 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists, 6/11 from three). However, the two’s eleven turnovers overshadowed everything else, a terrible reality for a club with minimal margin for error. They simply need to perform a little better regularly, especially on days when they intend to put in a good effort.
Sliding doors for Trae Young
Young was rumored to be a top target for the Lakers a year ago, but nothing came of it. He became just another name in the media limelight for a team that refused to do anything, making it tough to bargain with teams like the Hawks, who were likely more eager last winter. Now that the Hawks are prospering and have a first-round pick in the Lakers’ next draft, they likely have no reason to help the Lakers improve.
The defense is a shambles, causing the team to score constantly. Gabe Vincent (who is already rare) and Max Christie (who is beginning to appear) played significant minutes, giving physicality to a backcourt that is still missing Austin Reaves, who has missed four consecutive games after playing all 82 last season. Furthermore, Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood have yet to make their debuts this season, with favorable news about them being rare. Jaxson Hayes has been out for many days owing to ankle concerns. The Lakers, as has been the case for far too long, are missing half of their rotation. It’s impossible to see the entire team, whether due to a structural issue or simply terrible luck. It wouldn’t be a big issue, but it might be something. At least until Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka come up with another reason why they can’t move forward and the market doesn’t magically save them.
