LOS ANGELES -- Anyone with a diversified portfolio will tell you, timing is everything. Jump in too early, and the risk is high; wait too long, and the opportunity fades. The same logic applies to believing in a team’s rise to title contention.
Some believe that happened when Luka Dončić’s trade to the Lakers was announced — perhaps a bit premature. Others bought in when the team closed February with a 10-2 record — getting warmer. But after a thrilling 112-109 overtime victory over the New York Knicks, the best time to believe might be now.
In a game with all the intensity of big-time playoff basketball, the first three quarters did go the Lakers' way — trailing by as many as 13 points late in the period. For a moment, it looked like this team returned to reality against a legitimate Eastern Conference contender boasting a top-5 offense.
But when it mattered most, they found a way — showcasing the kind of clutch DNA essential for a postseason run.
“Our guys, in what felt like a playoff game at times, really just gutted out a win,” head coach JJ Reddick said.
Is it too soon to start preparing the barricades along Figueroa Street for the double-decker buses carrying the Larry O'Brien Trophy? Should Lakers fans start dreaming?
It’s tough not to, especially considering what has become an almost routine brilliance of arguably the NBA’s best duo in LeBron James and Dončić. James finished with 31 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, while Dončić once again filled the stat sheet with 32 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and four steals.
The team improved to 8-2 since acquiring Dončić, and over that stretch, the two have combined to average 54.1 points, 18.5 rebounds and 15.1 assists per game.
But the Lakers can't rely on those two to shoulder the brunt of the work. Their success will depend on who steps up when those two have an off night. When the shots aren’t falling, can they rely on production from the collective, turning to role players and bench?
James and Dončić seem to think so. After the game, Dončić credited Gabe Vincent for the Lakers' success, praising his clutch three-point shooting in the fourth quarter, saying, "Gabe won us the game."
When asked about "non-key" players, James responded, “There’s no such thing as non-key players on this team. Everybody is key. Everybody who steps on the floor has a role.” He further emphasized that the team is "buying in."
With that, it’s becoming increasingly clear: the chemistry is building, paving the way for playoff-level basketball.
The effort was a testament to staying the course, refusing to give in and showing poise — especially from the likes of Vincent, Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht and Jaxson Hayes, all of whom contributed.
Knecht's three-pointer at the buzzer before the fourth quarter cut the lead down to single digits. Then there were Vincent’s three made three-pointers in the fourth, with the last giving the Lakers a late lead with a clutch corner triple. And in overtime, Reaves' — who struggled throughout — provided a three-pointer.
“It’s a good reminder for our group going forward, that we can win games like this...we have enough toughness and grit to get these games,” Reddick said.
Before the game, Redick spoke about takeaways from past matchups and how they can be revisited later — comparing them to a comedian’s callback. If Redick applies the lessons from Thursday’s win come postseason, their run could be one hell of a punchline.
Many have already slotted them in the conference finals as they ascended the Western Conference standings. Now, they seem like a legitimate title threat after winning how they did, with grit, determination and the “poise” that Redick pointed to.
As if a 22-year veteran defying time with MVP-level play reminiscent of his younger self, paired with a traded superstar eager to prove his worth, wasn’t enough — now the team is battle-tested, creating a dangerous combination for future opponents.
But there are still some uncertainties, mainly: how often can they rely on their supporting cast when needed most?
Reaves, the Lakers' best third option, just returned from a calf injury that cost him two games, and is still rusty. Knecht is still growing as a rookie and finding his place on the court after Dončić's arrival. Trusting Vincent to deliver in clutch moments consistently is a big ask, considering his career track record. And Hayes can provide a spectacular double-double at his best, or be a liability in the paint at his worst.
These are the players they’ll need to trust, and thankfully, they are making the necessary strides. With a star tandem at the helm, the role players must continue to work cohesively, executing the little things that ultimately contribute to a championship. All they need to do is provide enough relief to lighten the workload.
The title buzz is palpable. Dončić made it clear postgame: “The goal is to win a championship, obviously, and there is no other goal than that.”
James, however, is more reserved in labeling this team as truly "special" just yet. Knowing the grind it takes to be the last team standing, he isn’t getting ahead of himself. He’s leaving that to everyone else.
There is still a long road ahead before the playoffs start in April, and anything can happen between now and then. But substantial progress is being made, and, more importantly, momentum is building. The performance against the Knicks proves it.
The Lakers are heading on an elite-level road trip, facing some of the league's best. Three of their four games will be against top-four teams in their respective conferences with championship pedigrees: the Boston Celtics (45-18), Milwaukee Bucks (36-25) and Denver Nuggets (40-22).
This will be a true test of whether this team is a legitimate finals hopeful, with the ultimate goal of winning it all.