Four Takeaways As Lakers Endure Rollercoaster Opening Week

The Slovenian superstar opened the season with a blistering 46 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game, leading the Lakers to a thrilling revenge win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The “Luka for MVP” train was in full motion before it screeched to a halt. Dončić suffered finger and leg injuries that will sideline him for at least a week.

That setback looked insurmountable heading into Sacramento. Yet, behind Austin Reaves’ career-best 51 points, the Lakers comfortably dismantled the Kings — and they did it without Luka and LeBron James. James remains out indefinitely with right sciatica, leaving Los Angeles to navigate choppy waters without its two brightest stars.

It’s been a week of turbulence and surprises — and these are the four biggest takeaways from the Lakers’ rollercoaster opening week.

Offense, Offense… And Just Enough Defense

If the Lakers plan to survive this stretch, they’ll need to lean into their offense. Through three games, they rank third in offensive rating — an encouraging sign, even with a small sample size.

Last season, the league average for team scoring was 113.8 points per game. When the Lakers crossed 114 points, they went 32–11. When they didn’t, they fell to 18–21. The math is simple: score more, win more.

But outscoring teams isn’t as easy as it sounds. Los Angeles can’t afford to bleed points defensively. Instead, it must string together key stops in the third and fourth quarters — the stretches that often define games. The Timberwolves win proved this approach works, as the Lakers held Minnesota to just 16 points in the final frame.

The blueprint is clear: unleash their firepower and tighten up just enough on defense to close games.

Austin Reaves Is Playing Like An All-Star

Reaves’ 51-point outburst in Sacramento wasn’t just a highlight; it was a revelation. The third-year guard showed total command of the Lakers’ offense, operating like a seasoned floor general.

Reaves, a natural combo guard, has always had playmaking instincts. But this version looks evolved — confident, patient, and capable of running the show when needed. Through three games, he’s averaging 34 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists. Those numbers won’t hold all season, but even if he settles around 25 points and seven assists per night, he puts himself in elite company.

Only Devin Booker, Jalen Brunson, and Cade Cunningham reached those averages last season — all All-Stars. Reaves may not be there yet, but his trajectory is impossible to ignore.

Marcus Smart’s Two-Way Impact Will Define The Season

The Lakers’ rollercoaster start has also exposed their lack of athleticism outside of LeBron James. That makes Marcus Smart’s role even more critical. He’s not just the defensive anchor the team desperately needs — he’s also become a stabilizing playmaker in J.J. Redick’s up-tempo offense.

Smart can run the floor, find teammates in transition, and set the tone defensively. His ability to read passing lanes and guard multiple positions gives the Lakers a defensive edge they sorely lacked. However, his shooting has been an issue — just 14.3 percent from three. That number will rise, but even when he misses, defenders still respect his shot, creating space for others to attack.

Smart’s box score might not always reflect his importance, but his presence changes how the Lakers function on both ends.

Deandre Ayton Brings Stability To The Paint

Few expected Deandre Ayton to end up in purple and gold before a quiet offseason buyout — but he’s already proving useful. His rim protection and rebounding are solid, if not spectacular, but his offensive consistency has been a welcome surprise.

Ayton’s 22-point performance against the Kings gave the Lakers something they lacked last season: reliable scoring from the center position after trading away Anthony Davis. His rebounding, averaging seven boards through the first two games before grabbing 15 in Sacramento, still needs improvement. But his potential impact remains undeniable.

The Lakers don’t need Ayton to be an All-Star. They just need him to anchor the paint and provide balance — something this roster has missed last season.

The Road Ahead

As the Lakers head to Portland to face the Trail Blazers, they carry both hope and uncertainty. Their offensive potential is sky-high, but their defensive discipline will determine how far they go.

It’s been a true rollercoaster of an opening week for the Lakers — thrilling, unpredictable, and full of promise. If they can sustain the highs and weather the lows, this season could turn from chaotic to compelling very quickly.