Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Midseason Takeaways

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Jan 3, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) dunks the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half of a NBA game at the Staples Center. Mandatory credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The Los Angeles Lakers are 14-26 in Luke Walton‘s first season as head coach. Here are five midseason takeaways as they approach the All-Star break.

The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t fared too poorly since Kobe Bryant‘s retirement. They are experiencing a developmental season (unless you’re Nick Young) and that’s allowed for the young core to grow as a unit. Granted, they have lost four straight road games, but there’s still hope. They trail the Portland Trail Blazers by just three games for the eighth playoff spot.

The Lakers are just about in the middle of the pack in points per game (105.2) this season at 17th. They set a season-high in points in their 127-100 victory over Miami on Jan. 6. They are 5-0 when scoring 120 points or more as team. But defensively, they’re still missing a few pieces on the roster to contend in the Western Conference.

Los Angeles is 8-16 when facing teams with a record of .500 or better. However, they are 26th in the NBA in points allowed, surrendering 110.1 points per game. They have won four of their last 18 games.

On the bright side, five different Los Angeles Lakers players are averaging double figures in scoring. Three of them are in the starting lineup. The bench has been the biggest asset this season as well, scoring 49.2 points per game to rank first in the NBA.

As we approach the All-Star break, here are five midseason takeaways for the Los Angeles Lakers.

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