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The ability of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves to make big plays and close out games enabled the Lakers to win 21 of 27 ‘clutch’ games so far this season. The Lakers’ ‘Clutch-Ability’ is their secret weapon.

‘Clutch’ games happen when lead is 5 or less in last 5 minutes of game. In the 70 games they’ve played this season, the Lakers have the #1 ‘clutch’ offensive rating, #6 ‘clutch’ defensive rating, and #1 ‘clutch’ net rating. The 45–25 Lakers could easily have ended up with a a disappointing 35–35 record had they not dominated ‘clutch’ minutes. Their ‘Clutch-Ability’ not only kept their season alive but now offers a path to the championship.

After losing the last 3 of their first 58 games including two buzzer beaters, Redick made the decision for the Lakers to go into full playoff mode and they responded by winning 11 of their next 12 games with solid defense.
During those 12 games, the Lakers’ offense not only continued to be a juggernaut but the Lakers suddenly started to also play inspired defense, winning ‘clutch’ games vs. the Knicks, Wolves, Nuggets, and Rockets twice.

Right now, the Lakers are playing better than any team in the West other than the Thunder or Spurs, the two teams left ahead of them in standings. Their goal is to do the same in the next 12 games they did to the last 12.
While they won’t be able to catch #2 Spurs or #1 Thunder, the Lakers could finish 56–26 or 55–27 if they can replicate the last 12 games. Do that and Luka Doncic would likely win MVP and JJ Redick NBA Coach of the Year.

The Lakers’ recent elite 12 game streak not only catapulted them into the playoffs as dangerous opponents and possible favorites but could also have changed ownership’s minds about what they should do next summer.