3 adjustments LeBron James' LA Lakers need to make after loss to Suns

LeBron James' LA Lakers were blown out 127-100 during Tuesday's NBA Cup West Group B showdown against the Phoenix Suns. The lopsided defeat marked LA's second straight by 25-plus points and third loss in a row, dropping it to 10-7 and 2-1 in NBA Cup play.

Following their strong 10-4 start and season-high six-game winning streak, the Lakers' offense has stalled, with several role players struggling to perform. Meanwhile, they lack the ideal defensive personnel around James and his co-star Anthony Davis, as evidenced by their 27th-ranked season-long defensive rating (118.2).

Nevertheless, LA coach JJ Redick still has options to shore up his rotation ahead of Wednesday's road clash against the red-hot San Antonio Spurs (10-8).

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3 potential adjustments for LA Lakers amid 3-game losing streak

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#3 Remove Gabe Vincent from rotation

LA Lakers point guard Gabe Vincent (Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

Many considered LA signing point guard Gabe Vincent to a three-year, $33 million contract during the 2023 offseason a value deal. However, the sixth-year point guard appears to be a lost cause early in his second campaign with the franchise.

After being limited to 11 contests last season due to knee issues, Vincent has offered the Lakers little production this season. Through 17 outings, he is averaging 3.0 points, 1.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.5 3-pointers per game, shooting 30.3% and 20.9% from deep.

The veteran hasn't topped seven points in a game yet. Meanwhile, he has gone scoreless on four occasions, including once during LA's losing streak.

While the Lakers rank second last in the NBA in bench scoring (24.2 ppg), Vincent doesn't appear to be the answer. So, JJ Redick and company may be best suited to cut their losses and remove him from the rotation.

LA could replace Vincent with two-way contract player Quincy Olivari, who is averaging 23.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 6.0 apg and 4.0 3pg across four NBA G League appearances.

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#2 Start Dalton Knecht full time

LA Lakers rookie wing Dalton Knecht (Image Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

Lakers rookie wing Dalton Knecht has thrived when given starting opportunities. Across his last four starts, Knecht is averaging 23.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 4.8 3pg, shooting 60.3% and 57.6% from downtown.

LA went 3-1 during that stretch. Nevertheless, the rookie lost his starting spot to forward Rui Hachimura, who recently returned from a left ankle sprain. Hachimura is averaging 8.5 ppg, 1.5 rpg and 1.5 3pg, shooting 46.7% and 37.5% over two contests since rejoining the lineup.

So, with the Lakers ranking 18th in triples a night (12.4), JJ Redick may have to consider reinserting the rookie sharpshooter into his starting unit.

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#1 Avoid underwhelming third-quarter efforts

LA Lakers superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis (Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

The Lakers' third-quarter performances have plagued them during their losing skid. Over their last three third quarters, they are averaging 18.0 ppg while allowing 34.0 ppg, getting outscored by 48 total points.

So, LA coming out of halftime more focused on Wednesday should help it avoid another letdown.

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