Top Scorers for the Lakers This NBA Season.
The Los Angeles Lakers have undergone substantial changes to their roster, influencing their offensive performance. As the team competes for a favorable spot in the Western Conference, several players have consistently stepped up to make an impact on the scoreboard. Notably, Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell, who were once key contributors to the Lakers’ offense, have been traded. Davis was sent to the Dallas Mavericks in a deal that brought Luka Dončić to Los Angeles, while Russell was traded to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. Below are the top five scorers for the Lakers this season, along with a look at their contributions.
1. LeBron James – 24.5 PPG
At 39 years old, LeBron James continues to be a dominant force, averaging 24.5 points per game. His efficiency is remarkable, shooting 51.6% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc. Additionally, James has maintained his role as a playmaker, averaging 9.0 assists per game, showcasing his ability to lead the offense while still putting up impressive scoring numbers. LeBron’s most notable strength is his ability to drive to the basket, combining power with finesse, as evidenced by his 57% shooting inside. His improved three-point shooting keeps defenses on their toes, and his consistent all-around performance continues to make him one of the league’s top players.
2. Austin Reaves – 19.1 PPG
Austin Reaves has emerged as the Lakers’ second-leading scorer, averaging 19.1 points per game. While his 44.8% field goal percentage isn’t extraordinary, his 36.4% shooting from three and 86.2% free throw percentage make him a reliable option. Reaves is not just a shooter; he creates his own opportunities, draws fouls, and has become a key facilitator with 6.1 assists per game.
3. Rui Hachimura – 13.0 PPG
Rui Hachimura has firmly established himself as a valuable contributor, averaging 13.0 points per game on an efficient 50.7% shooting. His ability to stretch the floor with a 42.7% three-point shooting percentage has made him an ideal complement to the Lakers’ stars. Hachimura scores in various ways—posting up, exploiting mismatches, and hitting long-range shots. Though not a primary offensive option, his consistency and efficiency make him an important asset.
4. Dorian Finney-Smith – 10.4 PPG
Acquired in a recent trade with the Brooklyn Nets, Dorian Finney-Smith has added scoring depth to the Lakers’ lineup, averaging 10.4 points per game. Known for his 3-and-D abilities, he is having a career-best season, shooting 43.5% from beyond the arc. Finney-Smith’s perimeter shooting provides much-needed spacing for the team’s offense.
5. Shake Milton – 7.4 PPG
Shake Milton, also acquired in the Nets trade, provides additional depth in the Lakers’ backcourt. Although his 7.4 points per game is modest, Milton brings playmaking skills and further shooting options to the team’s rotation.
Player to Watch: Luka Dončić
Luka Dončić, acquired in a major trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, has only played two games for the Lakers this season due to a left calf strain. However, his scoring potential is immense. In his limited appearances, Dončić averaged 15.0 points per game, ranking third on the team despite the small sample size. As Dončić recovers and adjusts to the Lakers’ system, he is expected to quickly climb the scoring ranks. His proven ability to score, create for others, and impact the game in various ways makes him an exciting player to monitor as the season unfolds.