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As the 2025–26 NBA season charges toward its midpoint, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to defy expectations and showcase their championship pedigree. With a 22–11 record and a top-five position in the Western Conference, the Lakers are winning games in ways that challenge the conventional wisdom about what it takes to succeed in today’s league. Their most recent victory—a gritty comeback against the Memphis Grizzlies—offers a window into the team’s evolving identity, resilience, and the emergence of new contributors in the rotation.
This feature dives deep into the Lakers’ approach to clutch basketball, the strategic shifts in their lineup, and the development of Jake LaRavia as a key piece of their future. Through exclusive postgame insights from players and coaches, we explore how Los Angeles is building momentum and redefining what it means to win in the NBA.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: The Comeback Against Memphis
The Lakers’ latest win was anything but routine. Down by more than 15 points after halftime, Los Angeles faced a scenario that has historically spelled defeat for most teams. Yet, rather than fold, the Lakers dug deep, mounting a comeback that showcased both their competitive spirit and their ability to execute under pressure.
Critics may point to the quality of the opponent—Memphis, a team in transition—but the reality is that every NBA game demands effort, focus, and execution. Winning back-to-back games against the same opponent is challenging, especially when trailing by double digits. The Lakers’ ability to rally speaks volumes about their culture and leadership.
Despite shooting just 26.8% from three (11-of-41), Los Angeles found ways to generate offense through ball movement, timely contributions, and defensive stops. The new starting lineup—Jake LaRavia, Marcus Smart, LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Deandre Ayton—proved to be a catalyst, with key stretches of the comeback driven by combinations of these players.
The New Starting Five: Chemistry and Potential
Head coach JJ Redick has experimented with various lineups throughout the season, but the current starting five is showing signs of real synergy. The trio of LeBron, LaRavia, Smart, and Ayton, in particular, has excelled on both ends of the floor. Their collective effort, defensive communication, and ability to make plays in the clutch have been instrumental.
LeBron James continues to anchor the team, orchestrating the offense and delivering in key moments. His 10 assists to just one turnover against Memphis exemplify his playmaking prowess and leadership. Luka Dončić, meanwhile, is showing improvement in decision-making, recording eight assists and only three turnovers—a welcome trend after recent struggles.
The lineup’s defensive versatility, rebounding, and unselfishness have made the Lakers one of the league’s most effective clutch teams. With a perfect 12–0 record in games decided by five points or fewer, Los Angeles is setting a new standard for late-game execution.
Jake LaRavia: Emergence of a Key Contributor
Among the most notable developments for the Lakers is the emergence of Jake LaRavia. Once a role player, LaRavia has seized his opportunity as a starter, delivering back-to-back games with 20-plus points—including a 26-point performance that tied him for second on the team with LeBron.
LaRavia’s shooting has been a difference-maker, accounting for a significant portion of the team’s three-point production alongside Dončić. His ability to find high-quality looks, especially when sharing the court with LeBron and Luka, has elevated his efficiency and confidence. LaRavia’s defensive contributions and rebounding have further solidified his place in the rotation.
In postgame interviews, LaRavia credited his improvement to trust in his preparation, encouragement from coaches and teammates, and a willingness to embrace his role. “I just trust the work I’ve been putting in,” he said. “Coaches and players keep telling me to shoot the ball, and I trust myself. It’s about going into the game and doing it.”
Coach Redick praised LaRavia’s adaptability and “care factor,” highlighting his disruptive defense and willingness to execute the team’s game plan. “He’s been one of our most consistent guys on that end of the floor,” Redick noted. “His aggressiveness and confidence have been really good for us.”
Balancing the Rotation: Bench Production and Strategic Adjustments
While the starting lineup has thrived, bench production remains a concern. The Lakers managed just 11 bench points against Memphis, underscoring the need for continued development and strategic adjustments. With Rui Hachimura sidelined, LaRavia’s move to the starting five has shifted the balance, but Redick sees an opportunity for improvement.
“When Rui comes back, I’m keeping Jake in the starting lineup,” Redick explained. “He benefits from higher quality looks and can replicate what Rui does from the three-point line, albeit at a slightly lower efficiency, but with better defense and rebounding.”
The coaching staff is focused on maximizing the strengths of each player, emphasizing offensive crash rate, defensive intensity, and decision-making on both sides of the ball. The Lakers’ ability to adapt and execute in high-pressure situations is a testament to their preparation and commitment.
Clutch Performance: The Lakers’ Formula for Success
Winning close games is often the hallmark of championship teams, and the Lakers have mastered the art of the clutch. Whether it’s LeBron, Luka, or a combination of Austin Reaves and other playmakers, Los Angeles consistently finds ways to deliver in the final minutes.
LeBron’s late-game buckets and assists, Dončić’s shot-making, and the defensive efforts of Smart, Vanderbilt, and LaRavia have contributed to the Lakers’ undefeated record in clutch situations. The team’s ability to maintain composure, trust the pass, and execute set plays has set them apart.
Coach Redick emphasized the importance of collective effort and spirit: “Sometimes it’s not about guarding a specific action or player—it’s just a collective effort to get back and defend.”
Player Development: Insights from Jake LaRavia
LaRavia’s growth as a player is rooted in his willingness to learn and adapt. In his own words, “I’m very much a player where when you tell me the things you want me to do, I go out there and do them.” Regular conversations with coaches and a focus on effort, energy, and offensive rebounding have fueled his development.
Asked about the satisfaction of performing well against his former team, LaRavia remained focused: “It’s fun to play against guys I know, but there’s nothing outside of just the fact that it’s a regular game.”
On defense, LaRavia relies on understanding opponents’ tendencies and playing with active hands. “I’m not the most laterally quick or athletic, but I can understand what players like to do and play off that,” he said.
LaRavia’s comfort within the offense has grown, as evidenced by his willingness to take—and make—more threes. “I probably could have shot even two or three more tonight,” he admitted. “Each game is a new stepping stone.”
Coaching Philosophy: JJ Redick’s Approach
JJ Redick’s coaching philosophy emphasizes execution, adaptability, and player empowerment. He challenges the team to be “catch and shoot ready,” maintain advantages when attacking closeouts, and trust each other with the ball. Redick’s focus on decision-making and confidence has paid dividends, particularly in the development of younger players like LaRavia.
Redick also prioritizes early touches for Deandre Ayton, recognizing the importance of keeping skilled bigs involved in the offense. “It’s on us as coaches and players to make sure he feels involved,” Redick said. Ayton’s engagement and energy, especially on defense, have been crucial to the Lakers’ success.
The LeBron-Luka Two-Man Game: Unlocking Offensive Potential
The synergy between LeBron James and Luka Dončić has become a defining feature of the Lakers’ offense. Redick has implemented variations of the “88” set to maximize their playmaking and scoring opportunities. “It was great for us down the stretch,” Redick noted. “Braun did a really good job making passes out of that.”
The two-man game creates mismatches, opens up driving lanes, and allows the Lakers to execute in critical moments. The coaching staff continues to refine these actions, seeking to optimize the team’s offensive flow.
Statistical Trends: Ball Movement and Turnover Reduction
The Lakers’ commitment to ball movement is reflected in their assist totals and low turnover rates. Against Memphis, Los Angeles recorded 30 assists and minimized mistakes, a formula that has consistently led to wins. Redick highlighted the team’s trust in the pass, even when shooting percentages lag.
“We haven’t been a very good shooting team, but our guys continue to trust each other,” Redick said. “Potential assists don’t always convert, but the intent is there.”
Defensive Evolution: Collective Spirit and Communication
Defense has been a point of emphasis for the Lakers, with improvements in communication, physicality, and pattern recognition. Redick credited Ayton’s rim protection and the team’s collective spirit for the turnaround in the second half against Memphis.
“Sometimes it’s just a collective effort to get back and guard,” Redick explained. The Lakers’ ability to adjust to opponents’ cadence and execute defensive schemes has made them a formidable unit.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum and Building for the Playoffs
With a deep roster, emerging talent, and veteran leadership, the Lakers are well-positioned to build on their success. The team’s ability to win gritty, hard-fought games is a positive sign, indicating resilience and adaptability.
As bench production improves and injured players return, Los Angeles will continue to refine its rotation and strategic approach. The emphasis on player development, execution, and defensive intensity will be critical as the Lakers aim to solidify their playoff position and contend for another championship.
Conclusion: The Lakers’ Blueprint for Success
The Los Angeles Lakers are redefining what it means to win in the modern NBA. Through grit, clutch performance, and a commitment to team-first basketball, they have established themselves as a force in the Western Conference. The emergence of Jake LaRavia, the leadership of LeBron James and Luka Dončić, and the strategic vision of JJ Redick have created a blueprint for sustained success.
As the season unfolds, the Lakers’ journey will be shaped by continued growth, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence. For fans and analysts alike, Los Angeles remains one of the league’s most compelling stories—a team that wins ugly, wins pretty, and most importantly, wins together.
