Lakers’ offensive explosion sets NBA record for scoring depth

The Los Angeles Lakers are off to one of their best starts to open the regular season, holding a 6–2 record and sitting as the fourth seed in the Western Conference — all without LeBron James. Primarily led by the duo of Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic, the Lakers are also getting major contributions from their bench, which has helped sustain momentum even when key players are sidelined.

They’ve become the first team in NBA history to have six different players score 25-plus points over a two-game span. In their 130–120 win Sunday night against the Miami Heat, Austin Reaves (28), Luka Doncic (29), and Jake LaRavia (25) each reached the 25-point mark, combining for 61.5% of the team’s total scoring output. Fast-forward 24 hours, and the trio of Deandre Ayton (29), Rui Hachimura (28), and Nick Smith Jr. (25) would carry the load, accounting for 66% of Los Angeles’ 123 total points.

Los Angeles continues to prove that, despite the adversity they’ve faced through injuries and lineup adjustments, this team finds a way to get the job done. They’re 3–1 in games without Doncic in the lineup and have seemingly discovered a new “big three” on a nightly basis. One of the biggest contributing factors has been head coach JJ Redick, who has brought a distinct energy and accountability to the locker room, constantly challenging players to elevate their game.

“It’s really about going as hard as we can, and JJ don’t give a crap who’s out there,” Deandre Ayton said postgame Monday night. “He wants to play Laker basketball… he’s been in the game for a long time, so anything he says we can trust it, and he’s proving that point.”

Redick has quickly emerged as one of the league’s most entertaining coaches to watch — whether it’s being vocal on the sidelines when players miss assignments or rallying his team in the huddle. Without LeBron James commanding the floor or the locker room, Redick has become the emotional centerpiece of this group, someone his players not only listen to but also thrive under.

The scoring balance has reflected the team’s overall discipline, especially on the road, where the Lakers are undefeated at 4–0 and averaging 120.0 points per game. Redick isn’t just injecting life into this roster when the odds are stacked against them — he’s building a sustainable culture centered on trust and execution. Reaves currently leads the team in both scoring (minimum 5 games) and assists, while Ayton paces the Lakers in rebounds and blocks.

Los Angeles might be red hot right now, but imagine what this team could accomplish once LeBron returns to full strength. If the chemistry continues to build at this rate, the Lakers might not just keep winning — they could start rewriting the record books.

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