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The LA Lakers are over a third of the way through their title-defending season and are in a prime position to retain the top seed in the West and with this, home-court advantage. Though not yet atop the Conference, the Lakers are just one game behind the Utah Jazz and have won their last 5 games after suffering a shock 2 matchups in a row.
Despite winning their 17th championship last season, the LA Lakers front office were not content to rest on their current squad, knowing that others would strengthen to pose a greater challenge. Knowing this, they signed multiple new stars to play alongisde their core talent.
Let's have a look at how the LA Lakers roster has performed so far this season and for the purposes of this article, we have taken those that are averaging more than five minutes a game and therefore are having a significant impact on the team.
Grading the LA Lakers starters after 25 games of the 2020-21 season
LeBron James: A+
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 34.5 PPG: 25.6 AST: 8.0 REB: 8.0 FG%: 49.7
LeBron James is yet again showing why he is one of the greatest players to ever grace the game. Favorite to win the MVP award currently - potentially the oldest to do so - James continues to improve his game despite his age. Leading the LA Lakers on both ends of the floor, James has adapted his game, shooting a career-high number of threes and connecting with 39.8% of attempts to keep opposition defenders guessing.
Anthony Davis: B+
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 33.6 PPG: 22.3 AST: 3.2 REB: 8.6 FG%: 53.0
Even with a rating of B+, Anthony Davis is still one of the most devastating end-to-end players in the league and is the LA Lakers' second-best player. Davis has yet to hit the heights he was able to produce in the franchise's title-winning run, during which time his determination and resultant numbers were frightening. The forward is averaging a higher shooting percentage though is scoring and rebounding less.
Marc Gasol: B
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 19.4 PPG: 3.7 AST: 2.0 REB: 4.3 FG%: 36.7
The signing of Marc Gasol is still yet to show its worth to the LA Lakers. Despite adding better creation on the offensive end in his assists and floor-spacing, Gasol is providing less coverage for Davis on defense as that provided by Howard and McGee last season. His veteran experience and free-throw shooting will benefit the Lakers in the long-run though and is a good rotation partner for Harrell.
Dennis Schroder: A
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 31.3 PPG: 14.4 AST: 4.4 REB: 3.7 FG%: 44.0
One player who has hit the ground running since moving to the LA Lakers is Dennis Schroder. Leading from the front on defense, Schroder has proven his ability as a consistent starter and has taken some of the scoring burden from James and Davis.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: A
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 25.6 PPG: 9.1 AST: 1.4 REB: 2.3 FG%: 46.9
Considering the role KCP has to play on the LA Lakers' roster, the shooting guard is excelling. Coming off the back of a strong playoff performance, Caldwell-Pope is continuing to find good positions on the court and is draining threes at a rate of 45.6%.
Grading the LA Lakers supporting cast after opening 25 games
Kyle Kuzma: B+
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 24.0 PPG: 10.1 AST: 1.1 REB: 5.8 FG%: 43.0
Kyle Kuzma is playing some of his best basketball away from the spotlight of being an LA Lakers' starter. The 6-foot-9 forward has taken on his role as a hustling rebounder who can also provide efficient wing shooting. Kuzma is averaging a career-high 37.1% from beyond the arc while also grabbing a far greater amount of boards per 36 minutes (8.7), which includes 2.6 offensive rebounds, an asset of his game he has drastically improved.
Montrezl Harrell: B+
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 24.9 PPG: 13.2 AST: 1.0 REB: 6.4 FG%: 64.2
Harrell has brought his infectious energy across town to the LA Lakers this season. While not seeing as many minutes as he did with the Clippers, the center has provided a different dimension and youthfulness to the Lakers inside play. The 27-year old is averaging 64% from the field while shooting a career-high 73.8% from the free-throw line.
Wesley Matthews: C+
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 19.8 PPG: 5.3 AST: 1.0 REB: 1.2 FG%: 42.7
Wesley Matthews' impact on the Lakers is less about scoring and more about the experience and leadership he can provide down the stretch and in the playoffs. At 34, Matthews best defensive-hustling days are behind him, though he is another Laker player shooting the ball at a high-clip from downtown (40%).
Alex Caruso: B
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 18.6 PPG: 5.5 AST: 2.1 REB: 2.4 FG%: 45.9
Another player to add to the Lakers' long line of hustlers on defense is Alex Caruso. The fourth-year guard is averaging a steal per game from the bench and provides the franchise's backcourt with a significant size boost. Caruso is also another option on the boundary for the Lakers, shooting the 3-ball with an efficiency of 47.6%.
Talen Horton-Tucker: B
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 17.0 PPG: 7.4 AST: 1.8 REB: 2.7 FG%: 39
THT developed quite the hype with his preseason performances for the LA Lakers; though considering the side's depth, has struggled to be a consistent provider on the offensive end. Still, his size is a valuable asset on defense and he will be a valuable player for the side in the years to come.
Markieff Morris: C+
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 15.1 PPG: 4.4 AST: 0.9 REB: 2.7 FG%: 47.3
Another victim of the LA Lakers' bubble performances is Markieff Morris. The power forward is proving less effective off the LA Lakers' bench this season, though could still prove vital in the playoffs given his experience and hustle.
Quinn Cook, Jared Dudley, Kostas Antetokounmpo, Alfonso McKinnie:
Completing the rest of the LA Lakers roster, these players have thus far played insufficient minutes to warrant a realistic grade.
Guess the Lakers players!
