The Los Angeles Lakers have won eight of their last nine games since Feb. 28, including a current five-game win streak, according to a March 16 report. The team has secured victories over the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets during this period.
This recent performance has moved the Lakers up to third place in the Western Conference with 15 games remaining in the regular season. Over these nine games, the team ranks third in offense, eighth in defense, and second in net rating.
Head coach JJ Redick said he is encouraged by how the team is coming together at this stage of the season. “Is ‘coalesce’ a word? Is that the right word? For coming together?” Redick asked. “I think it feels like we’re coalescing right now in a really nice way. Still got a long way to go, still got a long way to go, but certainly optimistic with how we handled this stretch of games. … It’s big time.”
LeBron James returned from a three-game absence and has adjusted his role between scoring and facilitating for teammates Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton have also contributed significantly during important games.
Redick appears to have more trusted players for key moments compared to last year’s postseason run. The team aims to improve on last year’s playoff results as they approach the final stretch of the regular season.
