The LA Lakers’ mixed results over the past month have provided a variety of views around the team’s chances heading into the playoffs.
A hectic schedule and inconsistent play have led to the LA Lakers relinquishing their second placed spot and falling down to fourth place in the Western Conference.
With Luka Doncic, LeBron James and an emerging Austin Reaves, the Lakers will have a chance to blow out opponents with their offense. But the questions have always been around their defense.
The cracks have begun to show amid their difficult run, with the low point being a loss at home to the Bulls where they allowed 146 points.
Lakers could miss Mark Williams
The big gamble the team has made was a botched move to sign a center at the trade deadline.
Having sent Anthony Davis away to the Dallas Mavericks to acquire Luka Doncic, the Lakers clearly lacked size at the position.
The team tried to bring in Mark Williams, sending Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish and a 2031 first round pick, before rescinding the trade after being spooked by a health concern.
Speaking to The Bill Simmons podcast, NBA commentator Chris Vernon said he believes this decision will ultimately cost them.
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Following the Lakers win over the Grizzlies, Vernon said: “I think they’re gonna regret calling off the Mark Williams thing. Not that he’s like frigging Bill Russell, but my God, they have nothing at the rim. Nothing.
“I think Memphis had damn near 70 points in the paint last night. I mean there’s just [nothing] once you drive past them,. Reaves, you can drive past and LeBron you know, is not the defensive stalwart that he once was.”
“Maybe that’ll change to the playoffs… There’s nobody really there to dissuade you. They’ll play Jaxson Hayes, they’ll play Vando, they’ll play whoever…. Somebody that could get to the basket a lot, is gonna give them problems.”
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Lakers have faith in Jaxson Hayes
The Lakers currently have faith in Jaxson Hayes as their starting center. Although this is by default, due to a lack of other options.
Alternatives include Alex Len, who has been disastrous, and Trey Jemison, who is still on a two-way contract.
Hayes has proven he can be a very valuable player on the roster – but the Lakers showed their hand with the attempt to land Mark Williams, they want to sign a center, and general manager Rob Pelinka can be expected to pursue this idea in the off-season.
