This All-Star Weekend, let's talk about some of the recent team performances! The Lakers have been in pretty good form lately, losing just one game to the Nuggets since entering February, and that loss appears to be related to Russell's absence. However, since February, Russell has played 6-0 in the games in which the Lakers have been playing, and the strength can be seen.
The Lakers may be thankful at the moment for not trading Russell for Murray at the trade deadline. While the addition of Murray may make the Lakers better offensively and defensively, it's not easy to get a star to adapt to the new system as the season draws to a close. There are pros and cons, for example, we can look at the previous Wei Shao, whose arrival almost ruined the Lakers. Last season, at the trade deadline, the Lakers teamed up with Irving and Doncic, but failed to make the play-in tournament.
The Lakers can't accept the loss after bringing in the star, after all, James is 39 years old, and his chances of competing for the championship are getting fewer and fewer every year. Murray's super cap salary contract, compared with Russell's 2-year 36 million **, Russell's choice is more suitable. Although Murray's defensive ability is superior, Russell's playmaking and scoring ability should not be underestimated. Moreover, Russell now knows more about the Lakers players and can better connect the team.
Since entering February, Russell has averaged 18 points and 6 assists per game, shooting 47% from the field and 43% from three-point range, with extremely high offensive efficiency. It's fair to say that Russell is more mature now, both in terms of game control and mentality. While he may be somewhat limited on the offensive end, his passing can make and break the game. The 27-year-old is at the peak of his career.
The Lakers didn't make a trade at the trade deadline, likely because they chose to continue last season's strategy. They relied on multiple players who could handle the ball and excellent depth of their forward line to chase the victory. While Vincent failed to live up to expectations, recent signing Dinwiddie managed to replace Schroder and even outperformed Schroder on the defensive end.
Dinwiddie is not a defensive player, but he is 198 meters, with excellent offensive and defensive capabilities. He led the Nets to the playoffs in his prime, which is exactly what the Lakers need to lead the team. He contributed to the team on the bench. Another important reason the Lakers signed him is that he and Wood have worked together to better serve their teammates.
Since joining, Dinwiddie has brought the Lakers a 2-0 record. While this is only a small sample of data, the Lakers' offense has become more terrifying since he joined. Over the past two games, the Lakers have averaged 33 assists per game, two more than the league-leading Pacers1 time, very good performance.
Dinwiddie showed a more aggressive attitude on the defensive end. Although he has yet to show his dominance in terms of individual attack, he has been able to link the team well. Against the Pistons, he contributed 6 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals; Against the Jazz, he contributed 10 points, 4 assists and 2 steals. Since joining the Lakers, Dinwiddie has been performing satisfactorily.
Arguably, signing Dinwiddie allowed the Lakers to make a smart decision at the trade deadline. A lot of small tweaks can end up helping the team achieve unexpected results. And Dinwiddie fits that expectation, and he's in a similar position to Schroder, who the Lakers signed for just $1.5 million. And the contract also includes a bonus clause that Dinwiddie will receive an additional $1 if the Lakers win the championship.
The Lakers have abandoned the lavish roster and opted to continue last season's strategy, but the depth of the roster seems to be stronger. Having Dinwiddie, Reddish and Prince gives the team more options. At the same time, the two center forwards of Hayes and Wood have gradually been explored by Hamm, and their recent performances have been quite good. This season's Lakers are something to look forward to.
With all that said, what do you think of the current Lakers? Welcome to leave a message to discuss!