Less Than Three Months Ago, No One Believed in Them: The Los Angeles Lakers’ Rise to Contenders

Less Than Three Months Ago, No One Believed in Them: The Los Angeles Lakers’ Rise to Contenders

In the early part of the 2023-2024 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers were in turmoil. The team had struggled to find its rhythm, and the narratives surrounding them seemed as gloomy as ever. With no clear direction and a series of tough losses, the Lakers were at risk of missing the playoffs entirely. Few believed that the franchise, which had spent much of the past few seasons in a state of flux, could contend for a championship. Fast forward to the present, and the Lakers’ remarkable turnaround has taken the NBA by storm. In less than three months, they have transformed from a team barely scraping by in the play-in tournament to one of the most dangerous squads in the Western Conference.

In just 76 days, the Lakers managed to climb all the way from the last play-in seed to the No. 2 seed in the West. Their surge is a testament to the resilience of the franchise, the brilliance of their front office, and the sheer talent of their roster. With a 16-4 record in their last 20 games and an impressive 6-2 record when facing Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers have proven that they are legitimate contenders for the NBA championship. This turnaround is not just a story of individual players’ improvements; it is a full team effort that has elevated Los Angeles back into the conversation of title favorites.

But how did the Lakers go from being an afterthought to a powerhouse? What factors contributed to this dramatic rise? In this article, we will break down the key reasons why the Lakers have defied expectations, and why it is now time to seriously consider them as one of the league’s most formidable contenders.

The Early Struggles: A Team in Disarray

Before the Lakers’ rise, the narrative surrounding the team was dominated by frustration and skepticism. In the first quarter of the 2023-2024 season, the Lakers were riddled with inconsistencies, struggling to find a cohesive identity. They were stuck in the play-in picture, often appearing to be an average team at best. Injuries, roster changes, and chemistry issues plagued them throughout the early months of the season.

LeBron James, at the age of 39, was carrying an immense load on his shoulders, but even his brilliance couldn’t elevate the team consistently. Anthony Davis was playing well but couldn’t stay healthy for long stretches. Russell Westbrook, although showing flashes of his former self, was still struggling to fit into the team’s system. The bench, while talented, lacked consistency, and the coaching staff was still trying to find the right rotations and game plans.

The constant rumors and media speculation surrounding trade talks for players like Westbrook and the team’s overall direction added to the chaos. Fans and pundits alike had little hope for the Lakers. It seemed like the window of championship contention had closed, and the franchise was facing the harsh reality of a rebuild.

But things would soon change, and change dramatically.

The Turning Point: A Key Trade and Chemistry Rebuild

The turning point came when the Lakers made a significant roster shakeup at the trade deadline. The front office, led by general manager Rob Pelinka, pulled off several key moves that transformed the team. While not all moves were massive, the trades brought in players who complemented the existing roster and helped solidify the Lakers’ overall structure.

One of the biggest moves was the acquisition of D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt. The Lakers traded away Westbrook, which many felt was the right move after his struggles. These new players were crucial in providing depth, shooting, and defensive versatility. Russell, in particular, brought back a level of playmaking and floor spacing that the Lakers sorely needed, and his chemistry with LeBron James has been nothing short of remarkable.

The addition of Beasley gave the Lakers an additional perimeter threat, something they had desperately lacked. He provided instant offense off the bench and added another shooter to a roster that already had LeBron and Davis but lacked the type of spacing needed to succeed in the modern NBA. Vanderbilt’s defensive prowess, meanwhile, bolstered the Lakers’ defense, which had been a concern earlier in the season. With Vanderbilt’s ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on the glass, the Lakers found themselves with a versatile lineup capable of competing with any team in the league.

What stood out most about these additions was how well the new pieces meshed with the existing players. Russell and LeBron immediately clicked, with LeBron being a maestro for Russell’s shooting and playmaking. The Lakers’ bench suddenly became more reliable, and their defense, with Vanderbilt’s presence, went from a weakness to a strength. The trade deadline moves weren’t just about bringing in talent; they were about fixing the Lakers’ systemic issues.

LeBron James: The King’s Resurgence

Throughout the season, LeBron James was often the only consistent performer on the Lakers. His ability to play at an elite level despite his age is nothing short of remarkable. LeBron has always been a player capable of elevating his teammates, but in 2023-2024, he truly became the heart and soul of the team. His leadership, basketball IQ, and ability to dominate the floor even at 39 have been critical in the Lakers’ rise.

LeBron has displayed the ability to play multiple roles for the Lakers, whether it’s as a primary scorer, a facilitator, or a playmaker. He has been instrumental in orchestrating the offense, setting up teammates for easy baskets, and creating space for other players to get open looks. LeBron’s scoring ability has never been in question, but his vision on the court has allowed the Lakers to get easy buckets, especially when the offense bogs down in key moments.

Moreover, LeBron’s leadership on and off the court has had an indelible impact on the team’s psyche. The Lakers have been known for their high expectations and history of championships, and LeBron has managed to maintain the team’s focus, ensuring that the players understand the stakes every time they step onto the court.

Even in his advanced years, LeBron remains a top-tier player, and his presence on the floor elevates every other player around him. The Lakers have benefitted from LeBron’s ability to adapt and evolve his game, showcasing a version of himself that is still a game-changer, even when playing at a less explosive pace than before.

Anthony Davis: Defensive Dominance and Unmatched Versatility

While LeBron James’ resurgence has been vital, it’s impossible to talk about the Lakers’ success without mentioning Anthony Davis. Davis has always been one of the most talented players in the league, but his career has been marked by injury struggles. In 2023-2024, however, Davis has been playing some of the best basketball of his career.

Defensively, Davis is an absolute force. His shot-blocking, rebounding, and overall rim protection have been critical in the Lakers’ turnaround. The Lakers’ defense went from being middle-of-the-pack to one of the league’s elite units, with Davis being the focal point. His ability to guard multiple positions and protect the paint allows the Lakers to take more risks on defense and disrupt opponents’ offensive flow.

On the offensive end, Davis has been efficient and dominant, particularly in the post and in pick-and-roll situations. While not necessarily a high-volume scorer like some of the NBA’s other stars, Davis is capable of taking over games when needed. His combination of size, skill, and agility makes him a matchup nightmare for any team. Whether it’s finishing lobs from LeBron or knocking down mid-range jumpers, Davis has shown that he can be a versatile offensive weapon as well.

When Davis is healthy and playing at his best, he is one of the top-five players in the league. His ability to impact both ends of the court gives the Lakers a dynamic presence that is critical for championship contention.

The Bench: Depth Finally Comes Through

For much of the early season, the Lakers’ bench had been inconsistent at best. The lack of a reliable second unit was a major issue for the team. However, once the trade deadline passed and the roster changes were made, the bench became a strength for the Lakers.

Players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dennis Schröder all stepped up in significant ways, providing scoring, energy, and defense. Reaves has emerged as a key role player, proving that he is capable of handling bigger moments and providing a steady hand when needed. Hachimura has shown flashes of being a dynamic scorer, particularly in the mid-range, and Schröder has been excellent as a backup point guard, bringing both playmaking and scoring to the table.

The bench’s ability to contribute in meaningful ways has allowed the Lakers to compete with the league’s elite teams. Having a deeper rotation allows LeBron and Davis to conserve energy while still maintaining a high level of play, and the Lakers’ bench has provided crucial minutes in key matchups.

The Western Conference: An Open Field for Contenders

While the Lakers’ rise has been remarkable, the context of the Western Conference should not be overlooked. The West, historically known for being one of the toughest conferences in the NBA, has been a bit more open than in previous years. While teams like the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns are still formidable, there are question marks surrounding many of the top teams. The Golden State Warriors, for instance, have struggled with consistency and injuries. The Dallas Mavericks, despite the brilliance of Luka Dončić, have lacked the necessary depth and defense to be a true championship contender.

In a season with so much parity, the Lakers’ mix of experience, talent, and newfound depth positions them as one of the most dangerous teams in the West. They have the ability to compete against any team, and with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the way, the Lakers have the star power necessary to make a deep playoff run.

Conclusion: The Lakers Are Legit Contenders

Less than three months ago, few would have believed that the Los Angeles Lakers would be legitimate championship contenders. Yet, in just 76 days, the Lakers have gone from being on the outside looking in to becoming one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA. With LeBron James playing at an MVP level, Anthony Davis anchoring one of the league’s top defenses, and a revamped roster full of depth, the Lakers have proved that they can compete with the best.

Their 16-4 record over the past 20 games and their success against teams like the Dallas Mavericks only reinforce the notion that the Lakers are serious title contenders. The turnaround is a testament to the resilience of the team and its leadership, as well as the skill and adaptability of the players.

As the postseason approaches, it’s clear that the Lakers are once again a force to be reckoned with. They have the experience, the talent, and the firepower to make a deep playoff run. It’s time to stop questioning whether they can contend, and start acknowledging the undeniable truth: the Los Angeles Lakers are back, and they are legit contenders for the 2024 NBA Championship.