One of the hallmarks of JJ Redick’s teams is that they play hard.
Redick had something of an epiphany early in his coaching career that it was enough to try hard to mask the flaws most nights during the regular season. From that point on, the Lakers, for the most part, tried hard.
With previous teams, playing hard was different due to a lack of energy or athleticism across the board. On a younger, more athletic, more tenacious team like this, playing hard looks like a team without their superstar jumping all over the Pistons on the road in the first quarter.
That’s a pretty encouraging trait to have.
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.
28 minutes, 4 points, 2 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 fouls, 2-5 FG, +0
This is Thybulle’s third consecutive offensive game. He’s made just one of his last nine threes in that span. Ironically, no longer shooting deep threes could have disrupted his timing. I don’t think his starting spot is in danger yet, but there are plenty of options behind him.
29 minutes, 5 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 2 fouls, 1-3 FG, 0-1 3PT, 3-4 FT, +3
An interesting use of LaRavia in this matchup as he was more of a ball handler with the Lakers against Luka Dončić. I had hoped this experiment would continue into the 2025-26 season, but it wasn’t disastrous on Sunday.
28 minutes, 12 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks, 3 fouls, 4 turnovers, 5-10 FG, 2-3 FT, +5
Kessler’s ability to fill the stat sheet is going to make him a sneaky 5×5 candidate. Seven of his 16 rebounds were on the offensive glass and each one felt like it led directly to another basket. A huge demonstration from him.
31 minutes, 12 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 4-12 FG, 2-5 3PT, 2-4 FT +1
Almost all of Grimes’ production came in the first quarter, but it was very serviceable. He made four of his first five shots and was a needed ball handler to take some of the pressure off Austin Reaves.
Although it faded as the match wore on, it was a far more encouraging performance from Grimes than most of his recent outings.
36 minutes, 43 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 fouls, 1 turnover, 14-27 FG, 4-6 3PT, 11-11 FT, +21
That’s all you needed from your near-max player with your superstar absent. He fully assumed Luka’s role, handled the intense ball pressure all night and still scored 43 points with great efficiency.
17 minutes, 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 fouls, 2 turnovers, 3-5 FG, 1-3 3PT, -7
Another relatively calm night from Mamu as well. He had a few moments lead but also faded as the match progressed.
13 minutes, 2 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 2 fouls, 2 turnovers, 1-1 FG, 0-1 FT, +2
Vando immediately made an impact in the first quarter, grabbing almost as many rebounds in that quarter (5) as he had in his last three games (6). His lone field goal also resulted in a great finish on an and-one.
Thanks to him for remaining ready even after leaving the rotation with the return of Adou Thiero.
21 minutes, 17 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block, 2 fouls, 6-10 FG, 4-8 3PT, 1-2 FT, +7
For several reasons, this was a very good performance from Ziaire, including his clutch baskets in the fourth quarter. He stepped up and hit some huge shots and deservedly closed this game out.
24 minutes, 17 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 foul, 2 turnovers, 5-10 FG, 0-2 3PT, 7-8 FT, +1
You know what? Fair play to Sexton. It still wasn’t a perfect game, especially with him fouling up on a 3-point basket at the end. But the Lakers needed him and he had important baskets throughout the game.
Another brief appearance from Thiero as he returns from injury. He had another highlight with a big dunk after grabbing an offensive rebound. It will be interesting to see how his knee responds and if he will be available against the Hawks.
Great job by Redick to get the team ready to go from the start on Sunday. They took an early lead and forced the Pistons to play from behind the entire game. He has this team in a great position mentally and schematically right now.
Sunday’s DNPs: Bronny James, Cameron Carr, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney, Lawson Lovering
Inactive on Sunday: Luka Dončić, Arthur Kaluma, Chris Mañon
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
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