The Los Angeles Lakers have constructed a starting lineup that can compete with just about anyone. That much was evident during the final two-and-a-half months of the 2023-24 regular season, and it continues to ring true through four games in 2024-25.
With a 3-1 record that was achieved by winning three outings against teams that won at least 46 games in 2023-24, the Lakers are quickly silencing their skeptics.
One of the quiet developments to emerge from the Lakers' early success has been inconsistent play from the second unit. It's a truth that requires context, but Los Angeles' bench has been unable to generate any semblance of adequate offensive production.
It's only been four games, but up to this point, the Lakers rank dead last in the NBA in points per game via the second unit at a mere 16.8.
Many will point to the second unit's limited playing time, which was due in no small part to the quality of the competition. The Lakers still rank No. 30 when the scoring numbers are measured on the basis of points per 100 possessions, however, which further establishes their inconsistency.
if the Lakers are going to make the necessary improvements in that regard, then three players will need to step up sooner than later.
1. Max Christie
Los Angeles re-signed Max Christie to a four-year, $32 million during the 2024 offseason. That alone should confirm that the Lakers intend to give Christie every opportunity to develop into the player that many believe he can become.
Unfortunately, the first four games of the 2024-25 season have been disappointing for Christie—with an important asterisk to be attached to that statement.
Christie is shooting just 33.3 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from beyond the arc through four appearances. That's simply insufficient for a player whom the Lakers are trusting to become a reliable 3-and-D wing off the bench.
The encouraging news is that, in addition to the fact that it's far too early to rule him out, Christie has been making the right plays. His shots just aren't falling.
Christie isn't forcing the issue, turning the ball over, or attempting shots that come from outside of the system. He isn't taking plays off on defense, ball-watching, or taking too long to get back in transition. He's sprinting full speed from end to end, taking what the opposition gives him, and embracing his complementary role.
A career 37.4 percent shooter from beyond the arc, the shots will begin to fall in due time. In the meantime, consistent effort is all the Lakers can ask for.
2. Dalton Knecht
Expecting the No. 17 overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft to provide consistent offense would be irrational. Dalton Knecht has shown flashes of brilliance early in 2024-25, however, including a lethal jump shot and the athleticism, handle, and finishing ability to make plays in multiple phases of the game.
The Lakers are limited as far as scoring options are concerned along the second unit, however, which means Knecht will need to step up sooner than he should have to.
Knecht began to do exactly that when he posted eight points, two assists, one rebound, a steal, and two three-point field goals made in just 13 minutes against the Phoenix Suns. He then put up 10 points in 20 minutes, again burying two treys, during the 131-127 win over the Sacramento Kings.
Knecht received just 11 minutes the next time out, however, and at least somewhat understandably failed to score a point on three shot attempts.
Thankfully, there have been clear signs of Knecht's ability to put up points in a hurry. He's already one of the best shooters on the team, with JJ Redick referring to him as a player who ranks in the top one percent of the NBA from a pure shooting perspective.
There will inevitably be ups and downs during Knecht's rookie season, but the Lakers would be wise to remain patient with the 23-year-old and empower him to play through his struggles.
3. Gabe Vincent
The Los Angeles Lakers signed Gabe Vincent to a three-year, $33 million contract to lead the second unit. That may be an oversimplification to some degree, but Vincent was acquired following a 2023 postseason during which he scored upwards of 20 points on six different occasions.
Vincent has thus far played well on the defensive end of the floor, and has even made big shots late in games, but the Lakers need more than the 3.0 points per game he's giving them.
Vincent has been on the court with the starters often enough to explain why his offense isn't yet a priority. Shooting 31.3 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from beyond the arc simply won't suffice—even if those numbers are uncharacteristically low.
If the Lakers' second unit is going to make the necessary improvements, then Vincent will need to step up in the role of a shot creator.
Among the reserves, Vincent is the most proven commodity as far as dribble penetration, midrange shooting, and finishing under the rim are concerned. That's a heavy burden to carry, but it's what the Lakers paid him for—and he has the talent to get the job done.
If Vincent is able to get back to the 13.3 points per 36 minutes he averaged between 2020-21 and 2022-23, then Lakers' second unit will instantly improve.
If he's unable to, then the pressure will rest on two unproven players to right the ship.
