The Los Angeles Lakers began 2025 on a sour note, losing both games on their road trip through Texas. Despite starting the new year with momentum, having won seven of their last nine games, the team faltered against the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks. These back-to-back losses have left the team searching for answers as they return home.
LeBron James expressed his frustration following the team’s most recent defeat against Dallas. “It sucks, obviously,” James admitted. “We had momentum and were playing well, but we let the Houston game slip after a bad first half. Against Dallas, we fell behind late in the second quarter and were playing catch-up the rest of the way.” The star forward emphasized the importance of moving forward, as the Lakers have another game in less than 48 hours. “You analyze what went wrong, but you have to focus on the next challenge. That’s the nature of the NBA.”
The loss to Dallas was particularly disappointing as the Mavericks were missing their star players, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and were coming off a game the previous night. Meanwhile, the Houston game exposed the Lakers’ inability to recover from a dreadful first half. Such performances highlight a troubling inconsistency that has plagued the team, even as they’ve shown glimpses of their potential.
Sitting at a 20-16 record, the Lakers’ season so far has been a mix of highs and lows. While recent roster additions like Dorian Finney-Smith have bolstered the team, the most significant improvements must come from within. Consistency remains elusive, particularly when facing tougher opponents on the road. This is something the team needs to address as the season progresses.
Fortunately, the upcoming schedule offers a chance for redemption. The Lakers will play a five-game homestand, facing four teams with losing records. It’s a critical opportunity to regain confidence and build momentum. While this season shows progress compared to last year, the team must perform at a higher level if they hope to compete for a championship. For now, the road to becoming serious contenders remains a work in progress.