Lakers’ LeBron James opens up about the state of the roster

The The Los Angeles Lakers are struggling to keep up in the Western Conference playoff race midway through the 2024-25 campaign. After a 7-2 run that put them six games over .500, they have lost three in a row. With nearly half of the regular season remaining, Los Angeles is in seventh place, 2.5 games back of fourth, but just 2.0 games out of the playoffs.

NBA teams will assess their situation in the next three weeks leading up to the Feb. 6 trade deadline. LeBron James gave his opinion about the state of the Lakers.

“I think we (found an identity),” James said on the GoJo and Golitz show. “I think our identity, defensively, is we want to bring physicality to the game.” Have teams try to do something they don’t like to do. And then offensively, we want to share the ball. We are very good when we are at a high 20 assists. I feel we have a lot more room for improvement. We are not a team that I believe will be one hit in February and March. But I like our chances, and we just have to keep working. That’s all that matters.”

While James is confident in his team’s position, the Lakers have a lot to fix on both ends if they hope to make the playoffs.

LeBron James, playoff contending Lakers live as trade deadline nears

The Lakers’ identity centered on the offensive end during their first season under JJ Redick. Los Angeles ranks 13th in offense, averaging 111.6 points, 26.2 assists and 13.6 turnovers per game on 47.2 percent shooting.

Led by James and Anthony Davis, they did most of their damage near the rim. Redick’s team ranks 12th in scoring (49.4 points per game) and third in free throws (18.7 per game). Conversely, they rank 28th in three-pointers attempted (34.0 per game) and 20th in three-point percentage (35.2).

However, their No. 24 defense has held them back for much of the season. Los Angeles was unable to keep opponents off the rim or defend in transition, ranking 28th in opponent scoring (52.8 ppg) and 24th in opponent rushing (16.7 ppg).

Rob Pelinka tried to address his team’s lack of three-point shooting and defensive deficiencies last month. The Lakers GM acquired Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks.

Finney-Smith continued his hot outside shooting with Los Angeles, making 9 of 22 three-point attempts (40.9 percent) over six appearances. However, the team continued to go in the wrong direction defensively, ranking 28th after his acquisition.

With two tradeable first-round picks and multiple mid-range salaries, The Lakers have the ammunition to make another move before the deadline.