The Los Angeles Lakers’ areas for improvement
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, with a legacy filled with championships, star players, and a passionate fan base. As of 2025, the Lakers are continuing to compete for titles, but they also face challenges and areas for improvement in order to solidify their place as championship contenders in the current landscape of the league. This analysis will explore some of the most significant areas where the Lakers can improve, both in terms of roster construction, team dynamics, and strategic adjustments.
1. Team Chemistry and Cohesion
One of the most important aspects of any championship contender is team chemistry. Over the last few years, the Lakers have undergone significant roster changes, adding new players and adjusting their lineups based on evolving needs. While this is a natural part of building a competitive team, it has led to issues with cohesion on the court.
1.1 Communication and Ball Movement
The Lakers have sometimes struggled with offensive flow. The team’s ball movement often stagnates, particularly when LeBron James is not on the floor. While LeBron is one of the greatest playmakers of all time, relying on him too heavily to initiate offense can lead to predictability. In order for the Lakers to become more dangerous offensively, they need better ball movement, more off-ball action, and quicker decision-making.
A more fluid offensive system could also help the Lakers maximize the abilities of their complementary players. Anthony Davis, for example, is a versatile scorer, but his offensive game is often dependent on getting touches in the right spots at the right time. Effective ball movement and communication on the court will ensure that the Lakers’ stars and role players are always in rhythm.
1.2 Trust Among Players
Another critical aspect of team chemistry is trust. In any NBA locker room, especially one as high-profile as the Lakers’, there can be egos and personality clashes. However, a successful team needs to work together as a unit. Players must trust each other’s abilities and be willing to make sacrifices for the good of the team. The Lakers’ superstars—LeBron and Davis—need to continue fostering that trust, especially as they adjust to the presence of newer teammates and young players.
2. Shooting and Offensive Spacing
One of the most obvious areas for improvement for the Lakers has been their shooting. Historically, the Lakers have not been known as a “three-point heavy” team, but in the modern NBA, shooting efficiency is crucial to success. Teams that can space the floor and shoot at a high percentage from deep are more likely to win, and this is an area where the Lakers have fallen behind in recent seasons.
2.1 Lack of Reliable Shooters
Despite having a roster with LeBron James, a generational talent, and Anthony Davis, who has the potential to be a dominant force, the Lakers’ offense often struggles because of the lack of reliable shooting threats. LeBron’s driving ability and Davis’s post-play require shooters around them to space the floor and create driving lanes. Unfortunately, the Lakers’ roster has often been filled with players who are inconsistent from beyond the arc.
To address this issue, the Lakers could look for ways to improve their three-point shooting, either through the draft, trades, or free-agent signings. For example, a player like a high-volume shooter who can knock down shots off the catch would be a tremendous asset. By improving their shooting, the Lakers would not only make their offense more difficult to defend but also create more opportunities for LeBron and Davis to operate in space.
2.2 Off-ball Movement
The Lakers have struggled at times with their off-ball movement. LeBron’s gravity as a playmaker demands constant attention from defenders, but too often, his teammates are stagnant when he drives to the basket or kicks out for open shots. Improving off-ball movement would allow the Lakers to maximize LeBron’s playmaking ability and also give Davis more room to operate in the post or on the perimeter.
A more dynamic, motion-oriented offense would help with spacing and make the Lakers’ attack more unpredictable. Players need to work on cutting, screening, and creating separation from defenders in order to create better scoring opportunities.
3. Defensive Consistency and Versatility
The Lakers have been one of the better defensive teams in the league over the past few seasons, but their defense is not without its flaws. With the presence of Anthony Davis, one of the best defenders in the league, and LeBron, who has been a stellar defender when engaged, the Lakers have the personnel to be an elite defensive team. However, defensive lapses, inconsistency, and issues with defensive schemes have prevented them from truly dominating on this end of the floor.
3.1 Defensive Rotations
One issue that the Lakers have faced at times is poor defensive rotations, particularly in transition defense. The team has struggled at times to get back quickly after missed shots, leaving opponents with easy fast-break opportunities. Improving their transition defense and ensuring players are constantly aware of their assignments will be crucial to keeping opponents from scoring easy baskets.
Moreover, the Lakers need to work on their pick-and-roll defense. While Davis is one of the best shot-blockers in the league, the Lakers’ perimeter defense sometimes leaves a lot to be desired. Guards and wings need to stay in front of their men more consistently to avoid forcing Davis into difficult defensive positions.
3.2 Defensive Versatility
With the rise of positionless basketball, versatility has become key for any elite defense. The Lakers have some versatile defenders, but they need more flexibility when it comes to switching and defending different types of players. Adding players who can guard multiple positions and defend both on and off the ball would help the Lakers significantly.
Additionally, incorporating more defensive schemes such as trapping, switching, and more active hands could help generate turnovers and disrupt the opposing team’s rhythm. With the right defensive tools and strategies, the Lakers can become even more dangerous on the defensive end.
4. Injury Management and Depth
Injuries have been a significant issue for the Lakers in recent years. LeBron James, while still one of the best players in the league, is no longer impervious to injury and has shown signs of wear and tear, particularly after his demanding playoff runs. Anthony Davis has also dealt with various injuries that have impacted his availability and performance on the court. To be a true title contender, the Lakers must find ways to manage their star players’ health while ensuring they have adequate depth in case of injury.
4.1 Load Management for LeBron and Davis
While LeBron’s commitment to playing at an elite level is impressive, the Lakers need to manage his workload more efficiently. This might mean fewer minutes during the regular season and a more strategic approach to back-to-back games and stretches of the season. The same is true for Davis, who has struggled with injuries over the years. By managing their minutes, especially during the regular season, the Lakers will be in a better position to keep their stars healthy and fresh for the playoffs.
4.2 Building Bench Depth
Depth is another area the Lakers can improve. A team that relies heavily on its superstars, like the Lakers do with LeBron and Davis, can suffer when injuries or fatigue take their toll. The Lakers must bolster their bench, especially by adding players who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
Players like Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell have provided solid contributions, but the Lakers could still use a few more reliable options to take pressure off their stars. Depth is critical for long playoff runs, and improving the second unit will allow the Lakers to compete on all fronts.
5. Coaching and Strategic Adjustments
The role of the coaching staff cannot be overlooked when discussing areas for improvement. While head coach Darvin Ham has shown promise and has led the Lakers to some competitive moments, there are areas where he can further refine his approach.
5.1 Offensive Playcalling
Ham has been tasked with overseeing a Lakers offense that is heavily reliant on LeBron’s playmaking and Davis’ inside presence. However, with the changing landscape of the league, there is a need to develop a more diverse and modern offensive system. Ham should consider implementing more pick-and-pop actions, off-ball screens, and creative ways to free up shooters. Additionally, utilizing a more up-tempo pace could help the Lakers generate easier scoring opportunities, especially when their stars are on the floor together.
5.2 In-Game Adjustments
One of the keys to winning in the playoffs is the ability to adjust during games. The Lakers have, at times, struggled with making adjustments in series and during critical moments. A better understanding of opposing teams’ tendencies and having a more adaptable game plan could provide the Lakers with an advantage in close games.
While the Los Angeles Lakers are always a team with championship aspirations, they face significant areas for improvement in order to truly compete at the highest level. Improving team chemistry and cohesion, developing a more efficient and versatile offense, enhancing defensive consistency, managing player injuries, and strengthening bench depth are all crucial factors for the Lakers’ success. If the team can address these areas, they will have a better chance of maximizing the potential of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the rest of their roster, potentially adding another championship banner to their storied history.
As always, the Lakers have the resources, both financially and in terms of their basketball IQ, to address these concerns. How they manage these challenges moving forward will determine whether they are able to remain a dominant force in the NBA and continue their pursuit of a 18th championship.