During the 2023-24 NBA season, Darvin Ham helmed the Los Angeles Lakers, steering the team through a tumultuous first half. By mid-season, the Lakers held a record of 21-22, a lackluster performance that called for strategic recalibrations. On January 21, in a pivotal game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Ham made a significant move. For the first time, he started a lineup featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura.
This tactical shift proved to be a masterstroke. The Lakers clinched a victory against the Trail Blazers, marking the beginning of an impressive run. The new starting lineup compiled an 18-6 record, outscoring opponents by 5.5 points per 100 possessions. This newfound synergy among the players transformed the Lakers into a formidable force on the court, significantly enhancing their playoff prospects.
The revamped lineup brought its own set of dynamics. While the quintet of James, Davis, Reaves, Russell, and Hachimura showcased the depth of the Lakers' talent, it also introduced specific challenges. Particularly, starting Reaves and Russell together created noticeable defensive vulnerabilities. Hachimura, not primarily a perimeter defender, had to adapt to roles demanding more from his defensive skill set. This adjustment placed additional pressure on Anthony Davis, requiring him to anchor the team’s defensive efforts.
Despite these challenges, the lineup change underscored the basketball acumen of Darvin Ham and his ability to optimize player strengths. The presence of LeBron James, one of the smartest players in the game, was a pivotal component of this strategy. As JJ Redick pointed out, "LeBron is one of the smartest players, and I think using him as a screener and finding ways to get him the ball in specific spots on the floor where he can be a facilitator and scorer, that's what I mean by being off the ball." This speaks volumes about James’s versatility and the strategic exploitation of his dual role as both a facilitator and scorer.
However, Darvin Ham's tenure was not to extend beyond the 2023-24 season. The Lakers announced JJ Redick as the head coach for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Redick, bringing in a fresh perspective, is expected to build on the foundation laid by Ham. The early schedule for the Lakers in 2024-25 includes challenging matchups against the Timberwolves, the Suns twice, the Kings, and the Cavaliers. How Redick will maneuver the team through these formidable fixtures remains a point of keen interest for Lakers fans and NBA analysts alike.
In summary, the 2023-24 season encapsulated a period of significant experimentation and adaptation for the Los Angeles Lakers. While the initial phase was marked by a lack of consistency, the strategic introduction of a new starting lineup catalyzed a strong finish. The impending shift in coaching leadership to JJ Redick heralds a new chapter for the Lakers, promising to blend new strategies with the solid groundwork established during the 2023-24 season.