The Los Angeles Lakers appear to have solved their lineup “puzzle” moving forward. They have navigated a revolving door of starting players due to numerous injuries and inconsistent performances.
The Lakers Can Be Thankful They Have Figured Out Lineup “Puzzle”
Dalton Knecht Shines in a Key Win
The Lakers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 119-101 on Wednesday, ending a three-game losing streak. Rookie Dalton Knecht, a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, played a pivotal role.
Knecht scored 20 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and added two steals in 31 minutes. He made 8-of-15 field goals, including 4-of-10 from three-point range. The Lakers benefited from his scoring and defensive versatility, which coach JJ Redick praised after the game.
“I think what Dalton is [he’s] a threat and a weapon, and that changes the dynamic of our offense,” Redick said.
Knecht replaced Cam Reddish in the starting lineup. The rookie’s return to the starting lineup helped the Lakers find balance on both ends of the floor.
Defensive Adjustments, Injury Recovery and Lineup Chemistry
The Lakers have struggled defensively this season, ranking 26th in defensive rating. They also rank 18th in three-point field goals allowed and 21st in opponent three-point shooting percentage.
Obviously, Jarred Vanderbilt returning to the lineup could resolve some of these issues, but he’s missed 70 of the Lakers’ past 99 games. Los Angeles must continue to aid him in his return from double foot surgery, but it can’t necessarily bank on an uncertain debut—let alone the hope that he’ll be the same player he was.
To address these issues, Redick has made strategic lineup changes. Knecht joins Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis in the starting unit. This group’s defensive versatility allowed the Lakers to execute a switch-heavy game plan against San Antonio.
“Knowing that we were going to be redding (switching) one through five as the game plan, it just felt like a game that we could get him in there,” Redick explained.
This lineup offers the Lakers their best chance to maximize their strengths. Redick acknowledged that data analysis played a role in the decision-making process.
“We are in constant communication with our analytics group,” he said. “You probably need about 250 minutes to really gain stuff and look at something in terms of lineup data.”
Knecht’s Offensive Impact
Knecht has shown he thrives when paired with stars like James and Davis. His shooting and spacing create opportunities for the Lakers’ offense. He demonstrated this earlier in the season, averaging 26 points per game in three starts, including a 37-point explosion against the Utah Jazz.
Knecht returned to his high-scoring ways with the starting unit after a pair of single-digit outings off the bench over the Lakers’ last two losses. His ability to score efficiently helped the Lakers regain their offensive rhythm.
LeBron James Benefits From this Lineup
LeBron continues to lead in his 22nd NBA season, adjusting his game to fit the Lakers’ evolving roster. While averaging a career-low 17.0 field goal attempts, James has embraced a playmaking role.
He is averaging 9.3 assists per game, the second-highest mark of his career. Only during the Lakers’ 2019-20 championship season did James post a higher average. Despite his reduced usage rate of 27.0%, James remains the team’s second-leading scorer at 22.9 points per game.
James has also improved his three-point shooting, hitting a respectable 40.4% from deep. LeBron’s new role will thrive and remain sustainable in a lineup featuring alternative scorers like Hachimura and Knecht. This deference is crucial in his 22nd season to preserve his body for the rigors of the playoffs. Ultimately, this lineup is the best fit for LeBron.
This Lakers Lineup Represents the Winning Formula For Now
The Lakers’ current starting five—Hachimura, Reaves, Davis, James, and Knecht—represents their best path forward. This lineup balances scoring, spacing, and defensive versatility, addressing the team’s biggest weaknesses.
As the Lakers prepare for the rest of the season, this group provides the foundation for sustained success. By solving their lineup “puzzle,” the Lakers can look ahead with optimism.
