In a game that had the basketball world buzzing, the Los Angeles Lakers stuck with the same five players for the entire second half: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith. It’s a rare and bold move in today’s NBA, where coaches often rely on rotations and matchups to keep players fresh and effective. But in this case, the decision paid off — big time.
At first glance, this lineup might seem unconventional. Luka Doncic, the dynamic, ball-dominant playmaker, alongside LeBron James, one of the most versatile players in NBA history. Add in Austin Reaves, an emerging star who’s developed into a key role player, Rui Hachimura, the versatile forward with scoring ability, and Dorian Finney-Smith, the defensive specialist who can knock down a three. On paper, it’s a mix of offensive firepower and defensive flexibility, but it’s not your typical lineup.
So, why did this small-ball lineup work so well in the second half? Let’s break it down:
1. The Ball Handling and Playmaking Balance
Having Luka Doncic and LeBron James on the floor at the same time is an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. Both players are elite facilitators who can create offense for themselves and others. Doncic, with his step-back threes, size, and court vision, demands constant attention, and LeBron’s ability to attack the rim, distribute, and read defenses in real-time makes him an equally dangerous threat.
What makes this combo even more effective is Austin Reaves. The young guard has taken massive strides as a secondary ball handler, and his ability to play off both Luka and LeBron adds another layer of unpredictability. Reaves can spot up for a three, create his own shot, or make plays for others, giving the Lakers an additional creator without sacrificing spacing or offensive flow.
2. The Defensive Versatility
On the defensive end, the Lakers’ lineup might not jump out as a typical “shutdown unit,” but their versatility is a major asset. Dorian Finney-Smith is a proven perimeter defender who can guard multiple positions, from the 2 to the 4. His length and agility allow him to switch and contest shots effectively, which is crucial when facing the kind of high-powered offenses present in today’s NBA.
Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura has shown he can be a solid defender against bigger forwards, and his length makes him disruptive around the basket. The ability to switch on screens and not lose too much on the defensive end is a huge advantage for the Lakers, especially in a postseason series where matchups are everything.
But perhaps the biggest wild card in this group defensively is LeBron James. While he’s no longer the on-ball defender he was in his prime, LeBron remains an elite help defender and rebounder. His ability to read passing lanes and come up with timely blocks or steals can completely shift the momentum of a game.
3. Stamina and Control of the Game
The second half was a grind, and sticking with the same five players allowed the Lakers to build a rhythm. In the modern NBA, depth and rotation are important, but there’s something about allowing a group to grow comfortable with one another on the floor that makes them nearly impossible to stop. These five players know each other’s tendencies and have developed chemistry in a way that many other teams can only hope for.
By sticking with the same five, Coach Darvin Ham ensured continuity. Instead of constantly subbing in and out, this group found a flow, with Luka running the offense, LeBron keeping the defense honest, and Reaves moving without the ball. Hachimura and Finney-Smith provided the necessary balance between scoring and defending, keeping the opposing team on edge at both ends of the floor.
4. The X-Factor: Luka’s and LeBron’s Clutch Factor
In the clutch moments of the game, it’s hard to overstate the importance of having two players like Luka Doncic and LeBron James on the floor. These are two of the most reliable players when it comes to closing games. Luka can create his own shot from anywhere on the floor, and LeBron is one of the best basketball minds in the league, always finding the best option when the game is on the line.
Having these two together in crunch time makes it almost impossible to stop the Lakers’ offense. It’s not just about scoring; it’s about knowing when to pass, when to attack, and when to take control. With Reaves, Hachimura, and Finney-Smith spacing the floor, the Lakers have multiple options when it matters most.
The Results Speak for Themselves
By the time the second half wrapped up, the Lakers had completely shifted the momentum of the game. This lineup, full of versatility, defense, and scoring options, was a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to adapt and rely on the same five players showed the trust they had in one another and proved that, sometimes, consistency and chemistry are just as important as rotation and fresh legs.
In a season filled with ups and downs, this second-half performance by the Lakers offers a blueprint for success. If they can keep this lineup firing on all cylinders, they might just be able to make a deep playoff push — and it’s not hard to see this group as the core of that run.
