Lakers' Explosive Offense Carries Strong Start, But Defensive Woes Loom

The Los Angeles Lakers have opened the 2026-27 NBA season with a 4-1 record, largely driven by the exceptional offensive production of their star backcourt, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Together, they are averaging a combined 60.4 points per game, the highest mark for any pair of teammates in the league. Their scoring prowess is complemented by strong playmaking, with Doncic averaging 8.3 assists and Reaves 5.4, making them the only duo in the league where both players are averaging at least 24 points and 5 assists.

This offensive synergy is not new for Doncic and Reaves. During the Lakers' 10-4 start last season while LeBron James was sidelined, the pair averaged 62.7 points and 17.1 assists. Their scoring output also stood out during a 16-2 stretch in late winter and early spring, when they combined for 58.1 points and 13.1 assists.

The Lakers' offense as a whole has been potent, ranking third in offensive rating at 122.5 points per 100 possessions, trailing only the Trail Blazers and Rockets. They are also leading the league in true shooting percentage (65.8%) and effective field goal percentage (61.7%), and rank second in three-point percentage (39.2%) and halfcourt offensive rating (106.6). Their offensive transition game has also seen improvement, ranking seventh in frequency and points per transition possession, a notable achievement despite the absence of LeBron James, a historically dominant transition player.

"Doing a decent job of throwing the ball ahead," coach JJ Redick commented on the team's transition success. "And I think [we] have had some really good moments of sprinting for layups. The other thing I think we’ve done a decent job of and part of it is the throws aheads: By throwing the ball ahead and by running, you create early cross-matches. Those early cross-matches are a little more comfortable."

Despite the offensive fireworks, the Lakers' defense, particularly on the boards, has emerged as a significant weakness. The team's defensive rebounding percentage stands at 64.5%, the third-worst mark in the league. This issue has been exacerbated when starting center Walker Kessler is not on the court. Surprisingly, the Lakers have performed worse on the defensive glass with Kessler on the floor than when he is on the bench, collecting 10.4% fewer defensive rebounds with him playing.

Coach Redick acknowledged the rebounding concerns. "Where he can continue to grow with us, he was, like per 36 numbers, per minute numbers, he’s not rebounding at the rate [we expect]," Redick said. "And obviously that’s an area of concern for us right now. So need to be him doing better, particularly on the defensive glass. That’s where I think he can give us the biggest boost right now defensively."

Conversely, the Lakers have shown improvement in defending opponents at the rim. The 65.2% field goal percentage allowed at the rim is an average mark in the league but represents a substantial upgrade from last season's 71.5%, which was the second-worst figure among all NBA teams.

The Lakers' current standing highlights a team with elite offensive potential fueled by its star guards, but one that must address its defensive shortcomings, particularly in crucial rebounding situations, to sustain its early success.