As the NBA season resumes after the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Lakers are adapting their strategy following the rescinded trade with the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams.

Despite the setback, the Lakers have been on a hot streak, winning 12 of their last 15 games and climbing to the fifth seed in the Western Conference.

This surge in performance highlights a robust defense and an offense ranking sixth in the league during this span.

With the trade fallout, the Lakers’ center position remains in flux, relying on a mix of veteran minimums and small-ball lineups.

Luka Doncic, the team’s new centerpiece since his trade from the Dallas Mavericks, is gradually finding his rhythm in the Lakers’ system.

Despite being restricted in minutes due to a calf injury, Doncic’s influence is growing. He is showing glimpses of his potential to reshape the team alongside LeBron James. Doncic is averaging 27.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists on the season.

The Lakers coaching staff, led by J.J. Redick, is adjusting to the circumstances, focusing on health and integrating new strategies.

After a recent game, Redick emphasized the importance of the team’s health.

Jaxson Hayes has started at center, and that’ll continue, but the rest of the options are limited until the Lakers are better positioned to make a change in the offseason.

“I think the biggest thing is just getting all our key guys healthy,” Redick said before the NBA All-Star break.

“I think when our group is healthy, we can compete at a very high level.”

According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, pivoting towards small ball has been pivotal.

If recently signed big man Alex Len continues to play poorly, the Lakers could rely on this strategy more. The Lakers have options that allow them to implement this strategy effectively.

Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt have been key in these lineups, providing flexibility and defensive prowess.

Finney-Smith’s ability to guard multiple positions and Vanderbilt’s rebounding and hustle significantly compensate for the lack of a traditional center.

Moreover, LeBron James has occasionally played the center role during certain matchups, adding another layer to their small-ball approach.

His experience and basketball IQ make him a formidable option in this setup, allowing the Lakers to maintain versatility on both ends of the floor.

Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves have also contributed by playing bigger than their natural positions, enhancing the Lakers’ ability to stretch the floor and increase their pace.

This strategy has compensated for the absence of a traditional big man and improved the team’s scoring output and defensive metrics.

The combination of Doncic’s playmaking and James’s veteran presence sets a high ceiling for the Lakers.

As they navigate the remainder of the season, Los Angeles will focus on maximizing its strengths and achieving sustainable success. It’ll