The first game of the 2024-25 regular season is officially in the books for the Los Angeles Lakers. While many expected the team to rip off the bandage and face the pitfalls of a potentially challenging season, the Lakers unexpectedly created positive momentum.
It's only been one game, but there's already a potentially crucial revelation to address: Los Angeles may not need LeBron James to be a titan in every game it wins.
James will need to play at an All-NBA level for the Lakers to live up to their full potential—that much is undeniable. The first game was proof, however, that Los Angeles is talented enough to pick up wins when he's not necessarily dominant.
There's still minimal room for him to outright struggle, but it's a positive sign that the Lakers can piece together a winning effort when he isn't the offensive focal point.
That was on display during the season opener, when James finished with 16 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals in a 110-103 Lakers victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Those are certainly strong numbers, but James was third in minutes and one of five Lakers to attempt at least 12 shots.
Anthony Davis may not always put up 36 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and a steal, but the Lakers should also shoot better than 5-of-30 from beyond the arc as a team.
Lakers showing early signs of saving LeBron James for the Playoffs
During the win over Minnesota, the Lakers played with a refreshing degree of intensity on both ends of the floor. That includes an unusual fearlessness on offense, with players attempting shots as they became available to them instead of overthinking the quality of the look.
The trust in the system that Redick has implemented was clear to see, with Rui Hachimura taking center stage with his endless energy and aggressive scoring tactics.
Five players finished in double-figures during the game, with Davis' 36 points and Hachimura's 18 leading the way. Four players dished out at least four assists, as well, with D'Angelo Russell recording a team-high five.
Beyond the offensive production was an unexpected revelation that will be as important as any this season: The Lakers can excel on defense with the group in place.
Even without on-ball defensive specialist Jarred Vanderbilt, the Lakers held the Timberwolves to 41.2 percent shooting from the field. Minnesota also buried just 31.7 percent of its 41 three-point field goal attempts.
It was a far cry from the 2023-24 Lakers team that allowed opponents to convert 37.6 percent of their three-point field goals—the sixth-worst mark in the NBA.
If the Lakers can play at a sustainably high level on defense, the depth on offense will make James' job significantly easier. That's an obvious goal when one considers the fact that James will turn 40 in December and no one before him has managed to sustain an All-NBA level of play at that age.
It's far too early to make a declaration about what will transpire, but if the Lakers can even win the occasional game when James isn't required to be assertive, then they'll be well on their way to a postseason appearance.