The Lakers Are Back?

Discussing whether the Los Angeles Lakers are back to being title contender

After an abysmal season, many basketball fans expected the Los Angeles Lakers to have a bounce back. However, through the first 13 games they seemed on track to have another disappointing season, starting with a 2–10 record.

Despite this, the team has seemingly worn off the rust and have won 7of their last 9 games. One of these wins was especially impressive, against a fully healthy Milwaukee Bucks. Their recent success has been due to impressive play of players who many had already written off; those being Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook.

In the past 8 games Davis has been on an absolute tear, averaging 32.9 points, 15.4 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, on a 63.1 field goal percentage. Since their 2020 championship, the Lakers and many fans had expected Davis to take the number one role on the team, over Lebron James. While it didn’t happen until now, Anthony Davis has finally taken that step and is playing at an MVP level. The best part of Davis’ play has been his impact on both the defensive and offensive side of the ball.

Ever since Russell Westbrook has accepted his role off the bench, he has had much success. In this span he has been averaging 15.8 points, 7.9 assists, and 5.0 rebounds. In the Lakers most recent game, against the Bucks, Westbrook’s hustle was one of the key reasons for their win. He was also able to put up 15 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds. Accepting his bench role, has improved the Lakers and Russell Westbrook’s play.

Additionally, Lebron James spectacular play has not gone unnoticed. Ever since the start of the Lakers winning streak, James has been averaging 28 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.4 steals. Despite being 37 years old, Lebron has shown no sings of slowing down.

Lastly, in terms of bench scoring in their past 9 games, the Lakers rank 8th among all NBA teams.The play of their stars along with an improved bench has made the Lakers seem more scary than ever.

This all leads to the question: are the Lakers title contenders?

The long answer: if they are able to keep this play against top tier teams, then maybe. The short answer, however, is no. One of the reasons for the Lakers’ recent success is because of the easy schedule they’ve had. In the past 8 games, they’ve played a bottom 3 team in the NBA four times. And in their last 4 games against teams with above a .500 record, they’ve only been mediocre with a record of 2–2.

So Lakers fans, you should still have faith in your team, but don’t get your hopes up. If this team continues their tremendous play, who knows what will happen come playoff time.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been on a tear recently. Do you think they’re still title contenders? Let me know in the comments.