Lakers 2024–25 Season Review: Fightback And Resurgence End In Another Heartbreak
It started with a new coach early in the preseason, marked by a ‘trade-of-the-century’, a few individual records, and ended in a heartbreak at the end. JJ Redick, appointed in June 2024 as the Lakers’ coach, showed confidence in the team and set a target of 50 wins; the team delivered the promise. Then, hopes were high for the postseason, but the team failed miserably in that. This is just a gist of Rob Paninka’s Lakers’ season. Here is a detailed review of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024-25 season.
The league’s superstar, LeBron James, walked out of the Crypto.com Arena limping after his left leg was swollen from a knee-to-knee collision in game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves – the end of his 22nd and the Lakers’ bizarre postseason. Yes, the two were different. LeBron did his bit, but the Lakers couldn’t match him.
The 40-year-old star put up an average of close to 25 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds along with a steal and a block in 70 games. The Lakers could win 50 games out of 82, putting them in third position in the West. A strong finish, to say the least. But the postseason was all opposite to what Lakers-nation expected. First-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. LBJ’s stats were better in the playoffs than in the 82-game season, but the team didn’t level up their performance.
The Larry O’Brien Trophy is what every team dreams of; only one can have it at the end, but fans demand close contests and fightbacks before bowing out to the victor. Flashes of it were seen in a few games, but that was not enough as the Lakers’ 2024-25 season was wrapped up before May.
Check out the positives and negatives from the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024-25 season.
Also Read: Lakers’ Trade Rejection Mark Williams Trolls LeBron & Co. After First-Round Exit.
How Good was Lakers’ 2024-25 Season?
The Lakers kicked off the season with optimism. Under new head coach JJ Redick, they clinched the Pacific Division title and secured a 50–32 record, marking their first top-three finish in the Western Conference since 2020. JJ Redick shall be credited for this, even though his post-season decisions later put him in a bad light.
Their mid-season blockbuster trade shook the world but proved beneficial for the Lakers, helping them directly clinch the postseason. He did settle in well with the team, leading them in offence. This was the biggest scoop for the Lakers. The 26-year-old is the perfect franchise face and is capable of attracting other star players.
Another superstar already on the roster, LeBron James, continued to impress the spectators. At 40, his stats, as mentioned earlier, were amazing, but his historic achievement of playing alongside his son, Bronny, was a heartwarming highlight. But after the playoff loss, LeBron expressed uncertainty about his future, stating, “I don’t know where I’m at.”
Then there is one more emerging star, Austin Reaves. His development was noteworthy and a good sign for the franchise. He had multiple 30+ point games, including a career-high 45 points against the Indiana Pacers. His consistent performance made him a key asset for the Lakers’ future.
These four points stand out for the Lakers, and their consistency was the point of difference throughout the season.
Also Read: Magic Johnson Blames JJ Redick’s Misjudgment for Lakers’ Game 4 Collapse Against Timberwolves.
How Bad was Lakers’ 2024-25 Season?
As far as the regular season was a good show, a five-game series against the Minnesota Timberwolves showed few flaws that were ‘let go’ during the regular season. As much as the coach was celebrated for his 50-game winning season, his first-round loss against the Wolves questioned his rotations and decisions.
The absence of a dominant centre was glaring. The side struggled in the paint area both defensively and offensively. It was one aspect that the Lakers compromised on adding Doncic to the roster.
The Lakers lost a few games in the fourth quarter, with LeBron and Doncic having a hard time closing out the game strongly. It was the responsibility of the rest of the team to hand their stars support in those 12 minutes. This issue can also be linked to the death struggle. The bench lacked consistency, and the team’s overall depth was tested during crucial moments.
What’s Next for the Los Angeles Lakers?
The Los Angeles Lakers have won an NBA championship at least once in a decade, except in the 1960s and 70. There were two decades where the side had to wait till the tenth season to lift the trophy – 1991-2000 and 2011-2020. In those decades, the LA side suffered major damage to its brand. With nearly half a decade passed, and questions over LeBron’s commitment (once again), the LA side must prioritise its actions.
How to add more key players, depth, and defence to the team without losing many assets. Providing assurance to LBJ, Luka, and now Reaves, too, of a bright future. The front office, led by Rob Pelinka, has significant work ahead. The 2024–25 season was a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports. From historic milestones to unexpected exits, the Lakers’ journey was anything but ordinary.
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