All through this season, it has been tough to find out what to make of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Purple and Gold’s standing within the Western Convention has fluctuated between second and sixth place. Questions have additionally arisen as to whether or not they might defeat high quality opponents.
Originally of March, the Lakers have been sixth within the West and had a document of 12-17 towards groups over .500. Three weeks later, they’re 9-1 this month and are on a seven-game successful streak.
The Purple and Gold’s scorching streak this month has propelled them into third place. Their 5-1 document towards groups above .500 has proved that they will compete with the NBA’s finest.
Some could marvel what has fueled such a powerful month, and the reply lies on the defensive finish of the ground.
Protection has been an space of concern for the Purple and Gold for many of the season. Their opponents average 114.9 points per game, whereas the Lakers’ level differential is hovering round plus-1.5 — an indicator of how slender their margin for error has been.
The Lakers have proven a brand new defensive depth this month, significantly within the turnover battle.
Of their final 10 video games, the Lakers have had a constructive turnover margin seven instances and have compelled 10 or extra steals in six video games. This has instantly helped the offense, with the Lakers outscoring opponents 228-159 in points off turnovers. Whereas this stage of productiveness could not stay constant, the Lakers do not have to be an elite defensive workforce to win. This month, they’ve received all three video games during which they misplaced the turnover battle.
If the Lakers can power their opponents into errors and maintain the turnover differential manageable, the offensive efforts of Luka Doncic, Lebron James and Austin Reaves must be sufficient to assist bridge the hole when the protection falls brief.
This strategy seems to be working. The Lakers have defeated 4 playoff groups throughout this 10-game stretch, together with back-to-back victories over the Houston Rockets and an exciting last-second win over the Denver Nuggets. It’s also value noting that the wins over the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves got here with out LeBron James.
Though it’s a small pattern, March could also be an indicator that the Purple and Gold’s newfound fashion of play might place them for a deep playoff run.
