The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to find consistency throughout the 2024-25 NBA season, but their fourth-quarter woes stand out as the most glaring issue. According to net rating statistics, the Lakers are ranked dead last in the NBA in fourth-quarter performance, with a staggering -11.6 net rating. This dreadful ranking highlights their inability to close games effectively, a shortcoming that is increasingly defining their season.
1st quarter: 20th ranked (-2.7)
2nd quarter: 8th ranked (6.0)
3rd quarter: 21st ranked (-4.1)
4th quarter: 30th ranked (-11.6)
This inconsistency underscores why the Lakers are ranked 22nd in overall net rating (-3.0), barely hovering around playoff contention. Their inability to maintain competitiveness in the fourth quarter has turned winnable games into dispiriting losses.
The Lakers’ recent matchup against the San Antonio Spurs exemplifies their fourth-quarter struggles. After holding a 10-point lead late in the third quarter, they were outscored 37-13 in the final period, ultimately suffering a humiliating 126-102 defeat.
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs’ starters dominated, while the Lakers looked disjointed and disengaged. The Lakers managed just nine points in the first nine minutes of the fourth quarter, a display that highlighted their lack of offensive creativity and defensive effort when it mattered most.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ record of 20-17, which places them seventh in the Western Conference, is a true reflection of their inconsistent and frustrating season. Their position in the standings paints a picture of a team that is competitive enough to avoid the lower tier but far from being a legitimate contender. This middling status is directly tied to their struggles in key moments, particularly their dreadful fourth-quarter performances.
At 20-17, the Lakers exemplify a team caught in the middle. They are good enough to beat weaker opponents but falter against playoff-caliber teams. Their placement just outside the top six underscores their inability to string together consistent performances.
This lack of stability is further evidenced by their -3.0 net rating, which ranks 22nd in the league and reflects a tendency to lose decisively while eking out narrow wins. Their poor record in close games, coupled with a habit of collapsing in the final minutes, has firmly anchored them in mediocrity.
The Lakers’ status as the worst fourth-quarter team in the NBA encapsulates their broader struggles this season. While the team shows flashes of potential, their inability to deliver in the final moments of games has been a recurring issue. If they hope to salvage their season, addressing these late-game failures must become a top priority. Otherwise, they risk squandering another year of LeBron James’s legendary career.
How Can The Lakers Fix This?
The lack of production from the bench has been a significant weakness for the Los Angeles Lakers. Players like Cam Reddish and Jaxson Hayes have struggled to make a meaningful impact, highlighting the team’s need for reinforcements.
To address this, the Lakers must look to the trade deadline as an opportunity to add reliable role players who can contribute consistently. A deeper roster will not only provide better support for the starters but also ensure the team can maintain competitiveness throughout games.
Late-game execution has been a recurring issue for the Lakers, often costing them winnable games. Both offensively and defensively, the team needs to focus on improving their strategic adjustments during critical moments. Enhanced decision-making and discipline in the fourth quarter could turn close losses into victories, giving the Lakers the edge needed to contend at a higher level. Addressing this weakness is vital for their long-term success.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis cannot carry the team alone. To ease the burden on their stars, role players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura must step up, especially in crucial moments. A balanced attack, with contributions from the supporting cast, will make the team more unpredictable and harder to defend. Empowering these players to take on greater responsibility could be the key to transforming the Lakers into legitimate contenders.
The Lakers have the foundation of a competitive team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the helm, but their struggles stem from issues that require immediate attention.
By bolstering their bench, improving late-game execution, and fostering greater contributions from role players, the team can transition from mediocrity to genuine contention. With the right adjustments, the Lakers have the potential to maximize their championship window and reclaim their place among the NBA’s elite teams.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
