The 2023-24 Los Angeles Lakers By Category

The 2023-24 Los Angeles Lakers have had their ups and downs but one thing is for sure: we know the strengths and weaknesses of every NBA player on the team. Precisely, we know which players top the specific categories on both ends of the court including scoring, playmaker, and playing elite-level defense.

While LeBron James and Anthony Davis steal all the headlines when it comes to their performances for the Lakers, which categories do they top when it comes to competing on the basketball court? The top player on the 2023-24 Lakers will be named in each of the most important categories this season.

Scoring – Anthony Davis

Averaging an impressive 25.7 points per game, Anthony Davis has been a force to be reckoned with, shooting at an impressive 56.2% from the field. What’s noteworthy is his increased proficiency from beyond the arc, connecting at a rate of 35.9% on three-point attempts. This represents a notable improvement in his long-range shooting, contributing to the Lakers’ offensive versatility.

Furthermore, Davis has been remarkably effective at the free-throw line, boasting an 80.9% success rate. His ability to convert free throws is a valuable asset, especially for a player of his size and position who gets hammered as often as he does around the basket. With a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 26.1, Davis ranks 14th in the NBA in scoring as he showcases versatility by finishing around the rim with authority, utilizing his size and athleticism to create high-percentage scoring opportunities.

Davis’s 56.2% field goal percentage is the second-highest of his career, a remarkable feat considering his already impressive track record. This improvement underscores his adaptability and the evolution of his playing style, emphasizing efficiency and effectiveness as he only managed a huger percentage last season (56.3%). 

Playmaking – LeBron James

In the realm of playmaking, LeBron James continues to solidify his status as one of the best floor generals in NBA history. This season, he has been a maestro on the court, orchestrating the Lakers’ offense with finesse and precision. Averaging 7.5 assists per game, James has consistently demonstrated his exceptional playmaking ability, creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. What’s particularly commendable is his ball security, maintaining a decent turnover rate of 3.3 per game, which is below his career average of 3.5 turnovers.

LeBron’s playmaking prowess extends beyond the stat sheet; it’s about his court vision, basketball IQ, and ability to make those around him better. With no other player on the Lakers matching James’s ability to create, he carries a substantial burden as the primary playmaker for the team. This responsibility has been a constant throughout his tenure with the Lakers, where he transitioned into the role of the team’s primary point guard.

It’s worth noting that LeBron James currently ranks 9th in the NBA in assists per game, and his playmaking skills were notably on display during the 2019-2020 season when he led the NBA in assists (10.2), showcasing his versatility and adaptability on the court. As the season progresses, unless the Lakers can acquire a ball-dominant point guard, James will continue handling the playmaking burden even at 39 years old.

Rebounding – Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis has asserted his dominance for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2023-24 season when it comes to rebounding. Davis’s prowess on the boards is unparalleled within the team, as evidenced by his impressive averages of 12.2 rebounds per game. This places him second in the NBA, just behind Domantas Sabonis (12.8 RPG).

Breaking down his rebounding contributions, Davis is not only a force on the defensive glass, pulling down an average of 9.0 defensive rebounds per game, but he’s also a significant presence on the offensive boards, contributing 3.2 offensive rebounds per game. This dual-threat rebounding ability showcases Davis’s commitment to crashing the boards on both ends and contributes to the Lakers’ second-chance opportunities as well.

The significance of Davis’s rebounding is further highlighted by the drop-off in rebounding numbers among other Lakers players. LeBron James, the second-leading rebounder on the team, trails significantly with an average of 7.2 rebounds per game. This disparity emphasizes the extent to which Davis shoulders the bulk of the rebounding responsibilities for the team and also how much James has to do as well.

Defense – Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis’s defensive prowess in the 2023-24 season has firmly established him as a contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award. His impact on the defensive end of the court has been nothing short of exceptional, making him a linchpin for the Los Angeles Lakers. Averaging 1.2 steals and 2.6 blocks per game, Davis ranks 5th in the NBA in blocks, showcasing his ability to disrupt opponents both on the perimeter and at the rim.

Davis’s defensive excellence extends beyond traditional stat categories. His dominance on the boards, coupled with his shot-blocking acumen, makes him a formidable force in protecting the rim. The Lakers heavily rely on Davis to anchor their defense, which is evident in his ability to alter shots and deter opponents from attacking the paint.

While the Lakers currently rank 16th in overall team defense, Davis’s contributions have been the shining light in an otherwise middling defensive performance. His presence on the court significantly elevates the team’s defensive capabilities, and without him, the Lakers could find themselves struggling defensively, possibly ranking at the bottom of the league standings.

3-Point Shooting – LeBron James

This is not an error, LeBron James has been the best 3-point shooter on the Lakers all season long and it has been impressive to watch. Despite turning 39 years old recently, James is having the best season of his career in shooting the ball. The King is attempting 5.5 3PA, making 2.2 of them per game which results in an exceptional 39.7%. The second-best shooter on the team has been Tauren Prince (39.3%).

James is taking the second-most threes on the team this season behind Prince (5.6) but is shooting a slightly higher percentage. Most times when James releases the ball, it hits the back of the net more often than not. The King is posting 25.1 points per game this season and he has relied on his jump shooting far more than ever and it has actually worked out.

Finishing – LeBron James

LeBron James, at the age of 39, continues to be the epitome of excellence when it comes to finishing at the rim for the Los Angeles Lakers. His recent poster dunk on Paul George serves as a testament to his enduring athleticism and ability to finish over even the best defenders. Despite his age, James remains a one-man fast break, showcasing a unique blend of speed, skill, and basketball IQ that few players in the league can match.

While it’s true that LeBron may have lost a fraction of his explosiveness and vertical leap over the years, his strength and physicality compensate for that because players still bounce off him like he is made out of iron. No defender in the league can truly stop him when he attacks the rim with full force and that has been the case throughout his career.

LeBron’s finishing ability is not solely reliant on highlight-reel dunks; it also involves a crafty and varied repertoire of layups, floaters, and acrobatic finishes. His understanding of angles, defensive rotations, and his teammates’ positioning enables him to navigate through defenses with ease in which experience no doubt plays a role.

Athleticism – Anthony Davis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwvnk5L7IiY

Anthony Davis’s athleticism is undeniably a defining factor in his dominance on both ends of the court for the Lakers this season. Standing at 6’10” and weighing 253 lbs, Davis possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and agility that sets him apart as one of the most athletic big men in the league. On the defensive end, Davis’s athleticism is showcased through his shot-blocking ability and rebounding prowess.

His quick lateral movement and explosive leaping make him a formidable shot-blocker, disrupting opponents’ attempts in the paint. Additionally, his agility allows him to cover ground efficiently, contributing to his impressive rebounding numbers. Offensively, Davis utilizes his athleticism to score efficiently, whether finishing at the rim, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, or even extending his game to the three-point line.

At 30 years old, Davis is undoubtedly in the prime of his career, harnessing his athleticism to impact various facets of the game. While LeBron James may be the strongest player on the team, Davis’s athleticism gives him a distinct advantage, allowing him to excel in areas such as scoring, shot-blocking, and rebounding.

Clutch – LeBron James

LeBron James’s evolution into a clutch performer has been a narrative that has unfolded throughout his illustrious career. While earlier in his career, he faced criticism for deferring in crunch-time situations, the seasoned veteran has transformed into a reliable and composed closer for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2023-24 season. At the age of 39, with an unprecedented 21 seasons under his belt, James’s wealth of experience and basketball IQ shines through in clutch moments.

James’s ability to make the right play in crunch time is a testament to his growth as a player and leader. The often-debated killer instinct has become more pronounced, and he now embraces the responsibility of being the go-to player in crucial situations. Averaging 4.1 clutch points per game this season, James ranks 10th in the NBA, showcasing his effectiveness in closing out tight contests. As the season progresses, James will continue being the closer for the Lakers.

Efficiency – Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis’s efficiency on the court in the 2023-24 season has been nothing short of stellar, making him a standout performer for the Los Angeles Lakers. With shooting percentages of 56.2% from the field, 35.9% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 80.9% from the free-throw line, Davis showcases an elite level of accuracy in all facets of his scoring.

As the leading scorer for the Lakers with an average of 25.7 points per game, Davis’s scoring efficiency is a cornerstone of the team’s offensive success. His 35.9% three-point shooting is particularly noteworthy for a player of his position, contributing to the team’s spacing and offensive dynamics. Beyond scoring, Davis’s efficiency extends to other facets of the game.

With an average of 12.2 rebounds per game and 2.6 blocks per game, he demonstrates effectiveness on the boards and as a rim protector. Notably, maintaining a relatively low 2.2 turnovers per game reflects his ability to make sound decisions with the ball in his hands. While LeBron James is a force to be reckoned with (52.6% FG, 39.7% 3-PT FG, 73.7% FT), Davis’s superior shooting percentages, coupled with his consistency across scoring, rebounding, and defensive categories, solidify his position as the most efficient player for the Lakers this season.

Leadership – LeBron James

At 39 years old, LeBron James stands as the most seasoned and experienced member of the team, with an impressive 10 Finals appearances and a wealth of knowledge gained from facing the best competition in the league. On the court, James’s leadership manifests in his role as the team’s best floor general. His basketball IQ and court vision allow him to orchestrate the offense as he leads the Lakers in assists for the fourth time in his Lakers stint.

Off the court, LeBron James’s leadership extends to his pristine behavior and role as a family man. He serves as a positive influence in the locker room, fostering a culture of accountability and professionalism. While Anthony Davis may not be a natural leader, LeBron’s leadership fills that void, providing guidance and mentorship to the younger members of the team. His experience, both in triumph and adversity, positions him as a respected voice in the locker room and by far the best leader of the Lakers.

Versatility – LeBron James

While Anthony Davis may excel as the best two-way player on the team, James’s versatility extends across various facets of the game, making him the unequivocal leader and a player capable of impacting every aspect of play. As a leader, James guides the team on the court because his playmaking ability is unparalleled, acting as the primary facilitator and orchestrator of the offense (7.2 APG).

Additionally, James assumes the role of the closer, showcasing his clutch gene and ability to take charge in crucial moments. His shooting, especially in critical situations, adds another layer to his offensive repertoire. The triple-double threat that LeBron James poses further emphasizes his versatility. His ability to contribute in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking (7.5 APG) allows the Lakers to adjust their strategy based on the needs of the game.

Handles – D’Angelo Russell

While LeBron James may not employ flashy dribbles or intricate moves, his ball-handling proficiency is undeniable. However, in a team that boasts some terrific ball-handlers like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell, the latter stands out as the best in this category. D’Angelo Russell’s ball-handling skills are characterized by quick and precise dribble moves complemented by excellent footwork.

This combination allows him to navigate through defenses efficiently, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. Russell’s adeptness with crossovers, hesitations, and changes of pace make him a standout when it comes to handling the ball. While LeBron James has a strong and reliable handle, the nod for the best ball-handler on the team rightfully goes to Russell for his ability to execute dynamic and effective dribble moves.

Underrated – Taurean Prince

Taurean Prince’s contributions to the Los Angeles Lakers have indeed been noteworthy, making him an underrated standout for the team. While Prince may not be a primary creator on offense, his impact on both ends of the floor has been valuable for the Lakers.

Averaging 9.9 points per game, Prince provides a reliable scoring option, particularly from beyond the arc where he boasts an impressive 39.3% three-point shooting. His ability to stretch the floor and knock down threes is a valuable asset, adding an extra dimension to the Lakers’ offensive spacing.

Defensively, Prince stands out as one of the best perimeter defenders on the team, showcasing his versatility in guarding multiple positions. At 6’6″ and 218 lbs, he possesses the size and athleticism to effectively defend on the perimeter, making him a valuable asset in matchups against various opponents.

Overrated – D’Angelo Russell

While D’Angelo Russell possesses a skill set that includes exceptional ball-handling and the ability to create offense for himself and his teammates, the impact he has made on team performance is not there to be seen. Averaging 14.6 points and 6.1 assists per game this season, Russell’s offensive production appears somewhat inconsistent, with performances that fluctuate rather than providing a steady offensive presence.

His shooting percentages of 46.3% from the field, 38.3% from three, and 76.5% from the free-throw line are solid but may not fully compensate for the variability in his offensive every week. The fact that the Lakers could be exploring trade options for Russell suggests that the team may be reevaluating his fit within their long-term plans.

Russell’s offensive output is quite streaky, and his scoring tends to come and go. This inconsistency raises questions about his ability to be the definitive third-best offensive player on the team. As Russell approaches 28 years old, there might be concerns about his potential to reach true star status in the future, especially given the expectations that come with a player of his caliber (and salary).

Overall – LeBron James

In the grand scheme of the Los Angeles Lakers roster, despite Anthony Davis’s dominance as the best two-way player, it’s unequivocal that LeBron James remains the cornerstone and the undisputed best player on the team. Even at the age of 39, LeBron’s impact extends far beyond the stat sheet.

LeBron’s leadership qualities and playmaking abilities are unmatched on the Lakers’ roster. As the best floor general, he orchestrates the offense and acts as a calming and guiding presence for the team. Crucially, without LeBron James, the Lakers would face significant challenges in generating offense. His ability to score at will, both inside and outside, creates a gravitational pull that opens up opportunities for others.

While Anthony Davis excels in scoring and defense, LeBron’s impact transcends these categories, striking fear into opposing teams and dictating the rhythm of the game. In essence, the Lakers go as LeBron goes, and this means The King is still the best player on the Lakers despite being 39 years old.