The Lakers have won six of their last seven games, sparking debate over whether this marks a true turning point or just another short-lived high. As the saying goes, it’s never too late for a new beginning. Melbet Login reports that both LeBron James and Anthony Davis have remained relatively healthy this season. Still, James recently missed the Warriors game due to an ankle issue. If they stay on track, this could become their most durable season together since teaming up.
Over the past three years, the duo has each missed weeks at a time due to injury. Whether they can remain healthy and shoulder a heavier load through the remainder of the season will not only impact the Lakers’ playoff seeding but also determine how far they can go in the postseason. Offensively, the Lakers have been strong, but that has come at the cost of their defense. In the past 20 games, they’ve ranked just 19th in defensive efficiency league-wide.
A major factor is the string of injuries to key role players. Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Christie, and Cam Reddish have all missed considerable time. These players form the backbone of the Lakers’ perimeter defense. Their current starting lineup leans heavily into offense, and that imbalance has been tough to manage. Melbet Login noted that the Lakers had a shot at experimenting with a bigger lineup to shore up defensive gaps, but Christian Wood’s injury—ruling him out for at least two weeks—has thrown another wrench into the rotation.
In prior seasons, the Lakers’ biggest issue was the health of their stars. This season, it’s been the supporting cast. Ironically, after moving away from a top-heavy “Big Three” approach to build a deeper, more balanced roster, that very depth has taken a hit due to injuries. Most rotation players have missed games at various points, impacting consistency and chemistry.
Looking ahead, the Lakers’ playoff hopes may hinge on how healthy their supporting cast can remain. Every day is a new starting line, and effort often brings luck. Coach Darvin Ham has faced criticism, but he has also made a few smart, strategic decisions throughout the season. Promoting Austin Reaves to the starting five and later shifting Rui Hachimura to a bench role are examples of his tactical flexibility. While some past decisions—such as over-relying on Taurean Prince—were questionable, adjustments are now being made. Prince has moved to the bench, and Vincent, who was acquired to replace Dennis Schröder, still has the potential to contribute offensively if he returns healthy.
With Spencer Dinwiddie added to the roster, and Vincent potentially regaining form, the Lakers could even rebuild some trade value around those assets. If the team manages to get most players back in shape, Ham will face tough choices when forming a final playoff rotation. LeBron, Davis, Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell are locks. Hachimura has played well enough to retain his spot even if Vanderbilt returns. Dinwiddie looks set to fill the backup combo guard role.
The rest remains uncertain. Vanderbilt’s return is still up in the air. If he comes back, he’s expected to be in the rotation. Prince’s minutes will likely be cut, and Jaxson Hayes has had a solid stretch. But Wood, Vincent, and Reddish all remain big question marks.
As it stands, this may be the Lakers’ final lineup. They continue to monitor the buyout market, but after signing Dinwiddie, there haven’t been any clear targets. They play like kids in the sun and stand tall like adults in the storm. Heading into the All-Star break, several Lakers players told Melbet Login that their goal is to climb to the sixth seed in the West and avoid the play-in tournament altogether.