The Los Angeles Lakers have been experiencing a significant surge in their season as of late. They are currently on a four-game winning streak and have emerged victorious in nine of their last ten games. This success can be traced back to a key victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on February 9th when the Lakers solidified their final starting lineup consisting of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura.

Since that pivotal game, the Lakers have maintained an impressive record of 18 wins and 7 losses, which ties them for the second-most wins and the second-best win percentage in the NBA. They boast the league’s second-highest offensive rating, just behind the leading Boston Celtics, as well as the ninth-best net rating. As a result, the Lakers have climbed to the eighth seed in the Western Conference and have control over their destiny to potentially reach the seventh seed.

With only four games remaining until the Play-In Tournament and the postseason, Austin Reaves expresses his satisfaction with the Lakers’ current level of play, stating, “I think we’re in a really good spot. It’s all about playing your best basketball at the right time.” He draws parallels to last year’s success when the Lakers found themselves in a similar situation, won the first Play-In game, and eventually made a run to the Western Conference Finals. Reaves emphasizes the importance of peaking at the right time, playing unselfish basketball, and fostering a collective desire to win. When the team is united in their goal of winning, individual scoring contributions become secondary.

While the Lakers’ offensive prowess has played a significant role in their recent accomplishments, Reaves highlights the team’s mindset as a crucial factor behind their success. He recalls moments when the team experienced a shift in offensive dynamics, gradually finding a better rhythm as they grew accustomed to playing together. Reaves emphasizes that the common goal of winning is what unites everyone in the locker room, regardless of individual scoring numbers. The Lakers’ ability to find a rhythm, whether through defense last season or offense this year, has been instrumental in their winning streak and ascent in the conference standings.

In addition to their offensive resurgence, the return of Gabe Vincent has had a positive impact on the Lakers. Vincent made his long-awaited comeback on March 31st during the team’s road trip in Brooklyn. Although his offense is still finding its stride, the team sorely missed his perimeter defense. Vincent showcased his tenacious defensive skills in the recent victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers by effectively guarding Donovan Mitchell, who was limited to just 10 points. Reaves commends Vincent’s contribution, highlighting his unwavering commitment to compete at a high level on the defensive end. He acknowledges that Vincent needs time to regain his feel for the game after being sidelined for an extended period but expresses confidence that his offensive contributions will improve. Vincent’s active and determined defensive presence is highly valued by the team and aligns with their overall objectives.

Overall, the Lakers’ recent success can be attributed to their strong offense, cohesive mindset, and the return of key players like Gabe Vincent. With their winning streak and continued upward trajectory in the conference standings, the Lakers are positioning themselves for a competitive playoff run.