Stars Shine, But Depth Wins: The Lakers’ Playoff Reality

(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

The LA lights always shine the brightest, and this postseason might be the most they have shone in a few years. The team has simply run out of excuses this year, as Luka has finally found his footing with the team, and LeBron inches closer to retirement every game. However, history repeatedly shows that playoff success is often determined by the players who operate outside the spotlight. For the Lakers, the impact of role players will likely be the defining factor between a deep playoff run and an early exit.

In several stretches this season, the team has had the offensive firepower to rely on different guys every night. We know what Luka and LeBron provide on any given night, along with Austin Reaves' late-game performances. However, the question that has loomed over this team like a dark cloud all year is what the bench and some of these role players can provide in April. Championship teams the past two years, like the Thunder and Nuggets, have a common theme among them that truly propelled them forward in their playoff runs, and that is role clarity. Players must understand and embrace their responsibilities, whether that means scoring efficiently, defending top players, or providing energy off the bench. The Lakers have struggled to consistently find this identity of establishing roles all year, but as of late, they might be coming into their own.

The underlying issue, which is likely to hold this team back on some nights, is the lack of bench scoring. An immediate shift we continue to see from JJ Redick is the rotation adjustment that keeps one superstar, either Luka or LeBron, on the court at all times. Come playoff time, teams will gravitate to those guys and shift their defense around them, which means that the effectiveness of the bench scoring will become even more critical in supporting the superstars during high-pressure situations. The moment is when it will be vital for our shooters to knock down their shots and our frontcourt to score in the paint. In my eyes, trading for Luke Kennard was a defiant move that established bench scoring success and served as a masterclass for Rob Pelinka. Kennard, a 50% 3-point shooter on the year, can facilitate in many ways besides scoring the three as well. Rui Hachimura is another name that, in these next weeks, must produce when the ball is out of Luka's or Bron’s hands. His strength lies in efficient scoring and physical versatility, particularly in the mid-range and near the basket. At 6'8", Hachimura provides size that allows the Lakers to match up with bigger playoff teams while still maintaining offensive spacing. During the postseason, teams often prioritize limiting three-point opportunities and paint scoring from star players. This creates openings for players like Hachimura, who can operate in the mid-range and short corner areas of the floor. His ability to knock down mid-range shots, finish through contact, and attack mismatches makes him a valuable scoring outlet when offensive possessions break down.

Marcus Smart might be one of the most impactful adds of the summer. Smart continues to have a reputation among the league's most physical and intelligent perimeter defenders, which makes him a valuable weapon when facing high-powered offenses in the postseason. What feels like every night Smart goes for a charge or has a great hustle play resulting in an immediate fast break. The former DPOY has the IQ that can allow him to guard multiple positions and pick up switches but also anticipate almost any passing lane. In playoff environments where every possession matters, Smart’s defensive presence can slow down opposing playmakers and force turnovers that create transition opportunities.

Over this last eight-game winning streak, we have seen what Smart can provide with his toughness and secondary playmaking. While offensively, he may not be a primary scoring option, his ability to push the ball with pace and hit clutch shots helps keep the offense balanced. Smart also has experience as a leader and in the playoffs, which are two things that are frequently neglected but very critical in high-pressure playoff situations. His ability to cut, move off the ball, and knock down open shots can help maintain spacing, something the Lakers have struggled with at times. In the playoffs, where defenses tighten and possessions become more valuable, players who can make quick decisions and capitalize on open opportunities are essential. Defensively the 6'8" forward has the length and lateral quickness to guard multiple positions, which becomes vital come playoff time when matchups are constantly changing. The Lakers will constantly face superstar wings in the playoffs, so having a player who can switch defensively and hold his own becomes extremely valuable. His length and mobility allow him to disrupt passing lanes, contest shots, and help on rotations—traits that don’t always show up on the stat sheet but can swing possessions.

As the postseason inches closer, the Los Angeles Lakers’ success will depend heavily on the performance of their role players and bench depth. We can count on Luke, AR, and LeBron to show up, but the supporting cast will truly magnify how far this team can go. 

The Lakers’ greatest challenge lies in their bench production and overall depth. Inconsistent scoring, defensive lapses, and lack of reliable rotation pieces can become major issues in a playoff series. To address this, the team must focus on tightening rotations, emphasizing defensive identity, and ensuring that role players clearly understand and execute their responsibilities.

Ultimately, championship teams are not defined solely by their stars but by how well their role players perform under pressure. If the Lakers’ supporting cast can step up, embrace their roles, and deliver in key moments, the team has a strong chance to make a deep playoff run. If not, their lack of depth could once again be their biggest obstacle.

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