As good as Luka Dončić has started this season, he hasn’t really felt like he’s taking the Lakers down with him. He was excellent in addition to other players who were also good, leading to victories more often than not.
Condemn. I just got whistled for a foul. Suitable for this game.
Anyway, Wednesday was the exception. The Lakers were mostly lethargic and flat to open the game, including Luka. Then he exploded in the second quarter and really carried the Lakers along. Austin Reaves was also excellent alongside him, but the teams didn’t have much else.
At least they were solid enough defensively to make up for it. And they played Kings.
So let’s dive into victory. As always, ratings are based on each player’s expectations. A “B” rating represents that player’s average performance.
23 minutes, 3 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 1-5 FG, 1-5 3PT, -4
A quiet offensive game from Thybulle. He was late for an appointment, so there was nothing to really worry about.
20 minutes, 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 4 fouls, 1 turnover, 3-3 FG, 2-2 3PT, 1-2 FT, +3
When he wasn’t fouling, LaRavia was one of the best Lakers on the court. Unfortunately, he committed a lot of fouls in the first half, which forced him to the bench. But he made no mistake in the second half and his impact was felt.
28 minutes, 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 4 blocks, 6 fouls, 6-8 FG, 3-4 FT, -1
By his own admission, Kessler wasn’t very good through the first three quarters. Domantas Sabonis had 10 points and 14 rebounds compared to Kessler’s five points and three rebounds.
In the fourth quarter, the situation completely changed. Kessler had 10 points, five rebounds and four blocks and Sabonis had just six points and three rebounds.
37 minutes, 21 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 7-15 FG, 1-4 3PT, 6-6 FT, +14
This is an excellent, understated performance from Reaves, who is willing and able to play the role of Robin in Luka’s Batman. The most impressive part of his game, however, isn’t listed in that score box… because he had zero turnovers!
35 minutes, 40 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 foul, 6 turnovers, 11-23 FG, 6-13 3PT, 12-13 FT, +11
Luka’s shooting level is currently among the best the league has ever seen. Some of these shots are just unfathomable and yet when they go up, you still think they’re going to go in.
24 minutes, 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 foul, 1 turnover, 2-5 FG, 0-3 3PT, 2-2 FT, +19
A little perspective for Grimes after an encouraging match against the Heat. Considering how much the Lakers paid him, it would be nice if he found his rhythm quickly.
18 minutes, 2 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 foul, 1 turnover, 0-4 FG, 0-3 3PT, 2-2 FT, +17
This was a pretty mediocre Mamu game. Missing three consecutive points early in the game turned out to be an omen.
22 minutes, 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 4 fouls, 3-7 FG, 1-4 3PT, 3-3 FT, +12
The good news for the Lakers is that when a wing has a bad game like Thybulle or LaRavia is struggling, they have another one to step in and play well, which Ziaire did.
16 minutes, 10 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 4 fouls, 2 turnovers, 2-7 FG, 1-3 3PT, 5-6 FT, +2
Another kind of deceptive game look at like Sexton was good but he wasn’t feel this way looking. Maybe I’m in the minority because it’s a good stat line.
Jarred Vanderbilt, Cameron Carr, Jaden Hardy, Bronny James, Lawson Lovering, Kevon Looney
Everyone except Vando only played in the garbage era. Again, Vando only played one shift in the first half and the team was outscored 8-5, gave up three offensive rebounds and Vando fouled twice, albeit on a bizarre possession with about four fouls called.
As he always does, Redick gets this team into shape defensively. It’s still a work in progress and it was just the Kings, but you can see this team improving on that end of the court and, minus the rebounds, it was a good performance.
Wednesday inactives: Chris Mañon, Adou Thiero, Arthur Kaluma
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
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