Lakers Reportedly Liked 'Chemistry of the Group' Amid Roster Moves Before NBA Playoffs

The Los Angeles Lakers won't make any changes to their roster ahead of the NBA Playoffs.

Per ESPN's Dave McMenamin, the Lakers opted not to convert two-way players Trey Jemison III and Christian Koloko to NBA contracts before the playoffs, meaning the two won't be able to suit up in the postseason.

According to McMenamin, the decision came because Los Angeles “liked the chemistry of the group" heading into the playoffs.

Both Jemison and Koloko made the most of the few minutes they got this season, but keeping them off the roster gives Los Angeles the flexibility to give Alex Len the final roster spot.

Len won't be a huge difference maker in the playoffs—he put up just 1.6 points and 2.1 rebounds in about 12 minutes per game—but having another 7-footer is vital for a Lakers team that doesn't have much depth in the frontcourt.

The two biggest factors for the Lakers this postseason will be their stars, Luka Dončić and LeBron James.

Dončić had a bit of a slow start upon arrival in Los Angeles, but he quickly returned to his typical form. In 28 games, Dončić put up 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists per contest to close out the season.

James has been phenomenal in his 22nd season, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds.

This postseason will look a bit different for James because, for the first time in his career, he won't be his team's No. 1 option. With Dončić on the roster, James will get the chance to play off the ball more, which should keep him fresh for what Los Angeles hopes will be a deep playoff run.

The first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves won't be easy, but if Dončić and James play the way they have all season and the Lakers supporting staff of Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and others come to play, Los Angeles should have enough to advance to the second round.