The recent crushing defeat of the Lakers was a heavy blow, driving fans to the brink of madness. The team's performance, especially in key position choices, was baffling. This defeat exposed a multitude of issues within the Lakers, particularly the necessity for roster adjustments. It's time to demote Hachimura, who has not been effective. Many feel he often "disappears" on the court, with occasional highlights but overall inconsistent play, becoming a "weak link" for the team. The management is no longer willing to wait. Hachimura has been benched, and Smith's starting position is almost certain, a change that seems inevitable. This adjustment teaches fans a lesson - teams must sometimes make bold decisions, especially when certain players underperform in critical moments. Fans are growing impatient waiting for Hachimura to stabilize his play, while Smith has consistently performed steadily and reliably, making significant contributions. Honestly, this move isn't surprising; Hachimura's state couldn't sustain the starting role, leaving management with no choice but to bring in Smith for strong support.
Regarding the frontcourt, the Lakers' rebounding issues have been frustrating lately. Facing large opponents like Valanciunas and Vucevic, the Lakers' frontcourt has been decimated. Simply put, the Lakers lack a center capable of tough battles under the basket. How can they gain an advantage in such confrontations? If the Lakers continue like this, making the playoffs could be problematic. Some netizens say, "Can this lineup even count on frontcourt protection? It's like paper!" Rebounding has always been a weak point, especially against powerful big men. To stand firm in the competitive West, a strong frontcourt is essential. The Lakers must act in the trade market to find a big center. This isn't a matter of desire but a necessary reinforcement. If this issue isn't promptly resolved, the Lakers' path will only become more challenging.
As for James, has everyone noticed that LeBron's stamina this season isn't what it used to be? He's already older, and with injury issues, he's always struggling, especially at the point guard position where his energy doesn't keep up. Can he continue in this role? Perhaps even he knows it's not feasible. LeBron's current stamina can't sustain playing full games. The Lakers really need to consider filling the point guard vacancy. Netizens point out, "Does James still have the energy to play point guard?" Besides James, Rivers is also a significant problem. Although his recent assist performances have been impressive, with double-digit assists in several games, if you ask him to face tough defenses, especially taller guards, Rivers' ball-handling ability is exposed, with numerous turnovers and subpar ball control. As the saying goes, "When the boat reaches the bridge, it will naturally go straight," but the Lakers urgently need a reliable point guard to stabilize the game. Without strengthening this aspect, the team's offense will become increasingly unstable, and executing beautiful plays will become unattainable.
At this point, Vanderbilt's return seems to be a small highlight. He's been out due to injury, and as we all know, the Lakers' defensive resilience and flexibility have decreased without him. However, good news is that Vanderbilt has been recovering well and is expected to return soon, which is undoubtedly good news for the team. But you know, in the NBA environment, every player faces tremendous competitive pressure. After Vanderbilt returns, he'll likely have to fight fiercely for his position. Even if he recovers, the Lakers' management may still consider him as a trade asset, a point everyone should recognize. Netizens comment, "Even if Vanderbilt comes back, he might not stay long with the team; the Lakers are probably considering using him as a trade asset!" The Lakers are not just thinking about how returning players will perform but must consider the overall roster balance and future development. Whether Vanderbilt stays with the team depends on how the team adjusts.
As for Hayes, his recent performances after returning have been somewhat disappointing. Whether in defensive or offensive contributions, he hasn't brought much positive impact to the team. With negative plus-minus values in every game, this is a significant issue. He can't even hold his own in Davis' backup position, let alone his own spot. Hayes' playing time is decreasing, seemingly forgotten by the team, with his minutes gradually reduced. Seeing him in this state, his chances of staying with the team seem slim, especially since the Lakers now urgently need a big center who can contribute in the frontcourt. Netizens say, "Hayes might be out of luck; after the reinforcements, he might not even get garbage time." This statement is not without reason; the Lakers aim to go further and urgently need reinforcements. If Hayes continues to underperform, he may not be able to remain part of the team.
The Lakers' upcoming adjustments are crucial for how far they can go this season. It's time to address the rebounding, point guard, and frontcourt issues. While these seem like mere operations, each decision is vital. Hopefully, the Lakers' management can make wise choices; otherwise, they risk repeating past failures.
