The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024-25 NBA season was a rollercoaster, marked by significant Wins and Losses, as they finished with a 50-32 regular season record, secured the third seed in the Western Conference, and won the Pacific Division title but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. The only Silver Lining this season is, of course, acquiring the Wonderboy: Luka Doncic.
The Good
Strong Regular Season Record and Division Title:
The Lakers achieved a 50-32 record, placing them third in the Western Conference and first in the Pacific Division, their first division title since 2020.
They started the season strong, going 3-0 for the first time since 2010-11 and securing a six-game winning streak by November 19, 2024, their first in five seasons.
Their ability to clinch a playoff berth without the play-in tournament for the first time since 2020 was a significant achievement.
Blockbuster Trade for Luka Dončić:
The acquisition of Luka Dončić in a three-team trade on February 2, 2025, was a game-changer, described as one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, involving two reigning All-NBA players (Dončić and Anthony Davis).
Post-trade, the Lakers went 15-5 in their final 20 games, showing a surge in performance and solidifying their contender status. Dončić’s addition brought a perennial MVP candidate, averaging around 7 rebounds per game and providing offensive firepower.
LeBron James’ Continued Excellence:
At age 40, LeBron James remained a top-tier player, averaging 24.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. His leadership and experience were invaluable, and he made history by playing alongside his son, Bronny James, the first father-son duo in the NBA.
James delivered an eighth career game-winning buzzer-beater, showcasing his clutch ability.
Balanced Team Performance:
The Lakers ranked 15th in offensive rating (113.1 points per game) and 11th in defensive rating (111.8 points allowed per game), indicating a balanced approach.
Austin Reaves emerged as a key contributor, playing career-best basketball and becoming a high-efficiency pick-and-roll playmaker, earning All-Star consideration.
The team’s ability to win against strong opponents, like the defending champion Denver Nuggets, highlighted their potential.
Coaching Transition and New Talent:
JJ Redick’s appointment as head coach brought fresh creativity and stability. Despite being a first-year coach, his strategies contributed to the 50-win season.
Rookies Dalton Knecht (17th overall pick) and Bronny James (55th overall pick) added depth, with Knecht’s 40% three-point shooting from college providing hope for addressing the team’s perimeter shooting woes.
Defending NBA Cup Champions:
The Lakers entered the season as defending NBA Cup champions, adding to their prestige and momentum
The Bad
Early Playoff Exit:
Despite their strong regular season, the Lakers were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in five games (1-4). This marked their second consecutive first-round exit and the third in five seasons, a disappointing outcome for a third seed.
The Timberwolves’ superior net rating (fourth in the league vs. the Lakers’ 14th) and Rudy Gobert’s dominant 27-point, 24-rebound performance in the series-clinching game exposed the Lakers’ vulnerabilities.
Lack of Size and Center Depth:
The trade of Anthony Davis left the Lakers without a starting-caliber center. Jaxson Hayes was the primary big man, but the team struggled to match up against dominant frontcourts like Minnesota’s Gobert and Julius Randle.
The decision to rescind a trade for Charlotte’s Mark Williams, who averaged 14.9 points and 10.8 rebounds post-deadline, was questioned as a missed opportunity to bolster the frontcourt.
Over-Reliance on Isolation Offense:
The Lakers’ offense, particularly post-Dončić trade, leaned heavily on one-man isolations and pick-and-rolls, which made them predictable and potentially wore down stars like Dončić and James. Critics noted that incorporating more ball and player movement, as seen in Dončić’s EuroBasket 2017 play, could have made the offense less predictable.
Three-Point Shooting Deficiency:
The Lakers ranked 24th in the league in three-point shots made per game (12.4), despite a respectable 35.7% shooting percentage. This lack of perimeter shooting limited their offensive versatility, especially in the playoffs.
Injuries and Bench Weakness:
Injuries to players like Rui Hachimura, Cam Reddish, and Jarred Vanderbilt (recovering from offseason foot surgeries) hampered depth and consistency.
The bench was described as thin, lacking starting-caliber depth, which put additional pressure on the starting lineup.
Mid-Season Struggles and Postponements:
The Lakers started the season inconsistently, sitting at 17-17 before the Dončić trade, which raised concerns about their early performance despite having LeBron and Anthony Davis healthy.
Two games were postponed due to the January 2025 Southern California wildfires, which also affected coach JJ Redick personally, as he lost his home in the Palisades Fire. These disruptions may have impacted team rhythm.
Playoff Inconsistency Against Top Teams:
While the Lakers showed flashes of brilliance, such as beating the Nuggets, their inability to maintain consistency against top-tier teams was evident in the playoff loss to Minnesota. The Timberwolves’ defense (fourth in the league at 109 points allowed per game) neutralized the Lakers’ star-heavy offense.
The team’s 12-14 playoff record over the last two seasons raised questions about their postseason viability.
