“Can they compete with Warriors and Suns?” – Kenny Smith on if Lakers are playing at their best

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently sitting at the 6th sport of the western conference with a record of 16-16. The top six teams are guaranteed a playoff berth. while teams finishing 7-10 will have to go through the play-in tournament. But with injuries and a Covid-stricken roster, it will only get tougher to hold on to this spot.

How are Los Angeles Lakers faring?

The Lakers Big-3 have suited up together many times but haven’t been able to consistently deliver. LeBron James is still doing the heavy lifting, while not much support from the rest of the team.

In their loss against the Suns (their 3rd straight), LeBron made 13 of his 19 attempted field goals. The rest of the team made 21 from their 67 attempts. This shows how no one is coming through for the Lakers. The Lakers have an offensive rating of 105.7, 5th worst in the league. Moreover, the Lakers are 9th in the league in defensive rating.

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What has changed since Championship season?

In their championship season in i.e 2019-20, the Lakers had the 3rd best defense in the league. They also had the 9th best offensive rating – not good, but drastically different from the current season. Since then, a lot of pieces have moved and new pieces have joined. The performance has only become worse.

Last year was plagued by injuries and covid protocol, combined with the shorter off-season for the Lakers. This played a role in the Lakers having to go through a play-in tournament to secure their playoff berth. Anthony Davis was supposed to become the main offensive piece for the Lakers, but he hasn’t been able to maintain his fitness and has been injury-prone.

Kenny Smith’s gives his opinion on lakers situation

Kenny Smith’s point remains valid though. When at their best, the Lakers can still contend for the championship. Anthony Davis averaged ~33PPG in the playoffs in 2019-20. He finished 2nd in the DPOY rankings. Russell Westbrook averaged 11APG just last season. LeBron James is still in his prime, and so are the two fellow all-stars.

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So, if the big-3 can play at their level best, the Lakers can make a deep run in the playoffs. The only doubt that remains is of their fitness.

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