On February 24, Beijing time, when the Lakers scored only a total of 25 points, they played a team basketball offensive with 8 double-doubles, leading by 24 points at the most in the game, and finally defeated the defending champion Warriors by 13 points. The new version of the Lakers ushered in a new upgrade after the transaction, not only a number of data prove that the Lakers have become stronger, but also a number of "card battle" competitors lost on the same day, the probability of the Lakers advancing to the playoffs rose to 39% close to 40%, many famous mouths are also optimistic about the Lakers' counterattack, undoubtedly expecting the new version of the Lakers to disrupt the West.
How strong is the new version of the Lakers: a number of data evidence has been fully upgraded
First, Zhan Mei created the first feat in history. James played only 5 of 20 in 26 minutes, contributing 13+9+8 quasi-triple-double. The thick-eyed brother played 25 minutes, 3 of 5 and 6 of 8 free throws, scoring 12+12+2 blocks, and the two scored 25 points in this game. James and Thick Eyebrow averaged 55+ per game this season (James 29.6 points + Thick Eyebrow 25.6 points), but the two won with 25 points this game, less than half of the season's total points, becoming the first pair in NBA history to do so (playing at least 5 games this season).
Second, the Lakers have led 20+ in the game for the ninth game this season, and the last two consecutive games have led 20+ in the game, which is undoubtedly a significant improvement in the combat effectiveness of the new version of the Lakers.
Third, after 4 a.m. Beijing time on February 10, the trading deadline, the Lakers had a 3-1 record, with two games outscoring opponents by at least 10 points. In contrast, in the 22 games before the trade deadline, the Lakers only outscored their opponents by more than 10 points in one game.
Fourth, the Lakers shot 16 of 30 from three-point range in the game, of which new signing Beasley hit 7 three-pointers, and the team's three-point shooting rate was as high as 53.3%, setting a record for the team's highest three-point shooting rate this season, after 51.5% (17 of 33) against the Spurs on November 27, 2022.
Fifth, the Lakers have played with the Warriors 3 times this season, the Lakers have the upper hand 2-1, and have double-killed the Warriors in the past two weeks, while the Lakers have won less and lost more against the Warriors in the past few seasons.
Sixth, the Lakers scored double-doubles in a single game for the first time this season, and in the past, the Lakers have been struggling on the offensive end because of projection problems, and now they have not played team basketball for a long time.
The Lakers' playoff probability rose to 39%, with multiple card positions losing opponents
After the Lakers defeated the defending champion Warriors, their record improved to 28-32, and the probability of advancing to the playoffs rose to 39%, and the probability of nearly 40% made the Lakers' prospects gradually optimistic. In contrast, the five competitors currently ahead of the Lakers lost four teams on the same day, namely the Thunder, Blazers, Pelicans and Warriors, and only the Jazz were able to win.
The current record of 8th to 13th in the West is as follows:
8th: Pelicans 30-30
Ninth: Jazz 30-31
10th: Warriors 29-30
Eleventh: Thunder 28-30
Twelfth: Blazers 28-31
Thirteenth: Lakers 28-32
The Lakers are currently just 1.5 wins away from the Jazz, No. 9 in the West, and the Warriors, No. 10, and 3.5 wins away from the Lone Ranger, No. 6 in the West. The Lakers are still expected to continue to counterattack, so the probability of advancing to the playoffs has risen to nearly 40%.
Zhan Mei reduced his playing time to maximize his health and competitiveness
James played 26 minutes and 25 minutes with thick eyebrows, both of whom played new personal lows this season. Previously, James' minimum appearance time was 29 minutes, and the minimum appearance time of Thick Eyebrow was 26 minutes (excluding early retirement games, Thick Eyebrow Brother had two injuries, only played 8 minutes with a fever, and only played 17 minutes with a foot injury).
James is 38 years old, and even if he is still brave this season, he still needs more rest. James played 29 minutes and 26 minutes in his last two games, making his first two consecutive appearances of the season playing less than 30 minutes, compared with more than 30 minutes in each of his previous 44 games.
When James and the thick-eyed brothers get enough rest time, they can stay as healthy as possible and ensure that the Lakers have hope to counterattack. You know, once James' double core is injured again, the Lakers are likely to repeat last year's mistake of missing the playoffs, or even missing the playoffs.
Many celebrities are optimistic about the new version of the Lakers and are expected to become a "dark horse of the West" team
The combat effectiveness of the new version of the Lakers has attracted attention, and many famous mouths have also given high evaluations. Perkins, a former Celtics championship centre turned commentator, said: "James used to complain about the play-offs, but now this could be his best 'friend'! If I were the top team in the West, I would worry about that player averaging 30+8+7 (James' average this season)! The new look of the Lakers looks too scary!!! ”
No. 1 Skip Bayless rarely praised the Lakers, "After sending Wei Shao away, coupled with the arrival of new signings, the Lakers performed 30% better." The Lakers will have a 17-6 record in the last 23 games and don't need to play another play-off, and I wouldn't be surprised if they play against the Suns in the Western Conference Finals. ”
Whether the new version of the Lakers can continue to counterattack, whether it can become a dark horse in the West, and whether it can counterattack not only to impact the playoff spot, but even to impact the championship, is undoubtedly the most concerned focus story line.
(Text/Drunken Lying Float)