The Lakers’ 11-2 start comes with some numbers that help explain it. They’re scoring efficiently, forcing turnovers and making opponents pay for them.
Through their first 13 games, the Lakers lead the NBA in scoring, field goal percentage, offensive rating, steals and points off turnovers, as Ricardo Sandoval of Lakers on SI detailed.
Luka Doncic has plenty to do with that. He’s averaging a league-leading 38.6 points and has scored at least 30 in nine consecutive appearances, including a 53-point performance against the Trail Blazers.
Austin Reaves adds 24.7 points per game, giving the Lakers a second scorer who can make defenses reconsider how much attention they devote to Doncic.
The team numbers tell the rest of the story. The Lakers average 122.1 points and shoot 50.3% from the field. Their 121.6 offensive rating puts them ahead of the second-place Spurs at 119.3.
That’s a lot of offense to keep up with. And the Lakers have helped themselves by creating opportunities before opposing defenses can get organized.
They average 11.0 steals and 24.5 points off turnovers, both tops in the league. Matisse Thybulle leads the team with 2.2 steals per game, followed by Doncic at 2.0.
The broader defensive picture still needs work. The Lakers rank 18th in defensive rating at 113.6, leaving room for improvement even with all those takeaways.
That gives coach JJ Redick something to emphasize while the offense continues to carry its share of the load.
Next comes Sunday’s visit to the Suns. As previously covered by Hoops Wire, Doncic is expected to be available after his ankle scare, while Reaves remains day-to-day with a heel injury.
Keeping those two healthy would go a long way toward keeping the numbers where they are.
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