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Lakers’ Seven-Game Winning Streak: Five Reasons Behind Surge
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

LOS ANGELES — The Lakers have regained their identity with a decisive run of form. Their latest win over the Pelicans pushed the Lakers’ winning streak to a seven-game peak, marking their longest stretch of success since an eight-game burst earlier in the year. They now hold a 15-4 record, trailing only Oklahoma City in the West. Their performance has mixed elite scoring, timely defense and improved chemistry. This surge signals that the team understands its strengths and intends to use them fully.

Lakers’ Seven-Game Winning Streak: Five Reasons Behind The Surge

Net rating reveals a team in full control


Rob Gray-Imagn Images

The Lakers own the second-best net rating during this stretch. Net rating captures the team’s dominance more accurately than any single box-score metric. Only Oklahoma City has posted a better number in this span. Both teams remain undefeated during this run, which underscores how well the Lakers have executed on both ends. The consistency also reflects better lineup stability.

Offense sets the blueprint for long-term success

The Lakers always expected to lean on their offense. Injuries forced a slower start, especially with LeBron James out, but the plan has now taken clear shape. The team ranks second in offensive rating across this streak. Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and LeBron form a dynamic trio that drives pace, shot creation and spacing. Dončić and Reaves set the tempo with aggressive scoring, while LeBron stabilizes possessions and expands their shot profile. The team is operating like a top-five offense, and the results mirror that belief.

Shooting variance flips the script

The team has improved from deep during this run. Earlier in the year, Los Angeles hovered near the bottom of the league in three-point percentage. They now sit in the top tier in accuracy. This shift explains part of the dominance behind the Lakers’ seven-game winning streak. Their overall true shooting percentage leads the league during this span. Better spacing has opened driving lanes, improved ball movement and reduced late-clock attempts.

Dončić and Reaves elevate the backcourt

Dončić and Reaves continue to validate the organization’s long-term bet. Dončić leads the league in scoring during the streak, while Reaves sits in the top ten. They are the only teammates in the top twenty. Their combined pressure on defenses creates mismatches, early advantages and efficient possessions. Reaves has proved that this is not a Linsanity-esque run but a steady rise. Their output anchors the offense and gives the Lakers two reliable engines–outside of LeBron–every night.

LeBron’s return calms doubts

LeBron returned during the streak and immediately settled lingering questions. He averages strong all-around numbers while shaking off early rust. His passing and physical presence lift the offense even when he is not scoring at peak levels. His shooting will trend up, given his history as a streak shooter. His return also improves lineup continuity and reduces the burden on Dončić and Reaves. LeBron’s impact remains vital as the team builds toward a longer run.

Defense shows necessary competence

The Lakers rank 12th in defensive rating during the streak. They still have gaps, but they no longer look disorganized. The biggest shift comes from reduced turnover-driven opponent scoring. The team improved from 25th to top ten in points allowed off turnovers. The defense now meets the threshold required to support an elite offense. The coaching staff emphasizes containment, switching and transition awareness. Those adjustments have created a balanced profile.

A streak that signals real growth

The Lakers’ seven-game winning streak reflects structural improvement, not temporary fortune. They are combining elite scoring, smarter shooting, healthier stars and a stabilizing defensive presence. This blueprint offers a clear path for continued success as they push deeper into the season.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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