Reddick proactively adjusted the lineup! The Lakers, who have been struggling lately, finally secured a win to regain momentum!

Losses to the Spurs, Bucks, Kings, and Hornets...

The Lakers, who have been underperforming lately, finally got a win to recharge!

They crushed the Raptors 110-93 at home, completing a season sweep. (The first game featured Rui Hachimura’s game-winning three, ending LeBron’s record, which many remember.)

With a 25-16 record and sixth place in the West, Lakers fans might be a bit disappointed, but the team has achieved its best mid-season record since the 2021-22 season.

It must be said, competition in the West is unprecedented; every team is fighting fiercely for a direct playoff spot.

Even Doncic plays through a groin injury, showing how intense the pressure on standings is.

Next up is the Los Angeles Grammys and then the Lakers face eight consecutive road games...

So, what’s the main focus of this article?

We’ve talked enough about LeBron’s age and performance, and the flawless "dominant" Ayton.

It’s important to understand not just what happened, but why the Lakers beat the Raptors.

How will the team play in the second half of the season? What roster changes might happen?

These bigger factors might be more important than just discussing individual performances.

Reddick made changes in this game.

Knecht, Smith, Baffokin, and Kleber really don’t need to play in regular time anymore.

Once Reeves returns, Vincent’s spot on the bench is also guaranteed.

The stable rotation includes the trio plus Hachimura, Ayton, Hayes, Smart, LaRavia, Vanderbilt, and Timi.

These 10 players form a consistent rotation—enough already. If the coach were Thibodeau, two or three more might be cut...

Because the basic logic is, you have to consider defense.

Frankly, both Doncic and LeBron are poor defenders, so neither side should criticize the other.

Protecting the boards and defensive rotations require players with size—these are the highest priorities for role players.

So you can see, Smart is no longer at his peak but still starts for the Lakers.

Biyombo can also play a significant role within the system.

Drew Timme is a player the Lakers have recently discovered.

He was dominant in college but struggled to find success in the NBA; I once suggested CBA teams might want to consider him.

This guy has a versatile offensive game and high basketball IQ.

Now on a two-way contract with the Lakers, he earns playing time thanks to his defense.

Isn’t that better than Kleber, a three-point shooter averaging only two points per game?

For a team ranked 26th in defense league-wide, anyone who can defend even a little looks valuable—this is the Lakers' current reality.

From another perspective, the Raptors scoring only 93 points against such a defense shows their offensive space is limited...

Taking this game as an example:

LeBron paired with Smart, Vanderbilt, Ayton, Timme, or Hachimura, playing a "four big, one small" zone defense, widened the scoring gap.

Just looking at LeBron’s teammates helps explain why they could pull ahead.

When Reeves returns, the ultimate offensive lineup transition can be: Doncic, Reeves, LaRavia, Hachimura, and Hayes.

Stop relying on Smith and Baffokin; no matter how well they shoot, their defense is full of holes.

Your Lakers veterans are already defensive liabilities...

Finally, a few off-topic remarks:

This season, the Lakers remain undefeated (15-0) when leading at halftime.

Also, their ability to perform in clutch moments (final 5 minutes with a score difference within 5 points) ranks among the league’s best.

However, as mentioned before:

Truly great teams don’t need to rely on so-called clutch moments...