The strange case of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Net Rating
The Los Angeles franchise is challenging the influence of advanced statistics, with a much better ranking than its Net Rating suggests.
There is no better statistic to assess the real level of an NBA team than the famous Net Rating. This balance between offensive and defensive efficiency often shows, without a hint of doubt, which franchises are in the running for glory, aligning many times with the standings. However, Los Angeles Lakers are not finding that correlation this season.
Four of the top five teams in Net Rating are in the top 5 of the current NBA standings, with the only exception being the New York Knicks, who are in sixth place. It is a clear example of how this advanced statistic is closely linked to the standings. However, there is a team, such as Los Angeles Lakers, that completely breaks the mold, performing poorly in one aspect and much better than expected in the other.
Los Angeles Lakers are ranked 17th in Net Rating in the NBA and are among the top records in the standings
The most striking case is that of Los Angeles Lakers. Much has already been said about the miracle of seeing Doncic, Lebron, and Reaves among the top six teams in the Western Conference. Their ability to raise their level in tense moments, which has earned them an incredibly positive record in Clutch Time, contributes significantly to overshadowing the fact that they are currently the 17th team in the NBA in Net Rating, while holding the ninth best record at this moment.
Maintaining this inconsistency can be seen as a glass half empty, but also half full. The combination of Luka, Lebron, and Austin is feared in playoffs if they find a slight defensive improvement. It is evident that in equal situations, Los Angeles Lakers are a formidable team. They can falter, aligning their record with the Net Rating, sustain this curious situation, or enhance their efficiency on both ends of the court and rightfully become a strong contender for the championship.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El extraño caso de Los Angeles Lakers y el Net Rating
