Lakers’ March hot streak reveals a lot, should scare rest of NBA

All through this season, it has been tough to find out what to make of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Purple and Gold’s standing within the Western Convention has fluctuated between second and sixth place. Questions have additionally arisen as to whether or not they may defeat high quality opponents. 

At the start of March, the Lakers have been sixth within the West and had a file of 12-17 in opposition to groups over .500. Three weeks later, they’re 9-1 this month and are on a seven-game profitable streak. 

The Purple and Gold’s sizzling streak this month has propelled them into third place. Their 5-1 file in opposition to groups above .500 has proved that they’ll compete with the NBA’s finest.

Some might surprise what has fueled such a robust month, and the reply lies on the defensive finish of the ground. 

Protection has been an space of concern for the Purple and Gold for many of the season. Their opponents average 114.9 points per game, whereas the Lakers’ level differential is hovering round plus-1.5 — an indicator of how slender their margin for error has been.

The Lakers have proven a brand new defensive depth this month, significantly within the turnover battle. 

Of their final 10 video games, the Lakers have had a optimistic turnover margin seven instances and have compelled 10 or extra steals in six video games. This has straight helped the offense, with the Lakers outscoring opponents 228-159 in points off turnovers. Whereas this stage of productiveness might not stay constant, the Lakers do not should be an elite defensive group to win. This month, they’ve received all three video games during which they misplaced the turnover battle.

If the Lakers can power their opponents into errors and hold the turnover differential manageable, the offensive efforts of Luka Doncic, Lebron James and Austin Reaves ought to be sufficient to assist bridge the hole when the protection falls brief.

This strategy seems to be working. The Lakers have defeated 4 playoff groups throughout this 10-game stretch, together with back-to-back victories over the Houston Rockets and an exhilarating last-second win over the Denver Nuggets. Additionally it is value noting that the wins over the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves got here with out LeBron James. 

Though it’s a small pattern, March could also be an indicator that the Purple and Gold’s newfound fashion of play may place them for a deep playoff run.