The Lakers made a statement with their resounding victory over the Western Conference’s top team on Sunday, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times writes. They hammered the Thunder, 126-99.
“We know it’s the final stretch into the full season, so we’re just trying to rack up great habits,” LeBron James said.
Luka Doncic had 30 points and six assists, while James contributed 19 points. They also made a season-high 22 three-pointers.
We have more on the Lakers:
- The Lakers’ defense was just as stellar as their offense on Sunday, as they held OKC 21 points below its average for the season. MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was limited to 26 points and didn’t get to the free throw line. “Defending the way we defended and holding this team under 100 with a [96] possession game, that’s elite defense. That’s gonna give you a chance to win every night,” coach JJ Redick said, per Khobi Price of the Orange County Register.
- It’s anyone’s guess which players will suit up for the rematch against the Thunder on Tuesday. James and Doncic are listed as questionable due to groin strains, while Dorian Finney-Smith and Austin Reaves are also questionable with ankle injuries. Price tweets. Gabe Vincent (knee) is a 50-50 proposition too, while Rui Hachimura (knee) is out.
- The Los Angeles Times’ Bill Plaschke says he was wrong to criticize the Lakers for drafting Bronny James. Plaschke notes Bronny averaged 22 points, five rebounds and five assists in his last 11 games with the G League’s South Bay Lakers. He scored 30 or more points three times at that level and showed he has the potential to develop into a legitimate NBA player.
Someone gave Bronny props finally.
Haters in 3….2…..
and fanbois run to the boards to prop up 20 pts G league stats in hopes to justify a horribly stupid move by their beloved Lakers.
But just wait. 6’2″ non-PGs who cannot shoot rarely make teams in the NBA, I highly doubt he will be the exception.
But yes, haters…
I will give credit to the Lakers to try and develop him, but I have my doubts on his ceiling.
He turned out to be a fine 2nd rounder.
It’s Bill Plaschke. Yeah he’s a beat reporter but he’s a total homer. He’s been on Around the Horn a ton. He has lots of kool-aid to share
But the numbers Bronny has put up aren’t fabricated, so it doesn’t matter who reports them or what they say… the numbers are what they are.
He’s coming along!
Obviously, you didn’t read the article. And, he has probably seen Bronny play more than you. He did a mea culpa. He thinks Bronny is not a wasted pick.
Big deal he’s on TV. My grandma was on TV for years. How about you listen to your elders? They might just shift your point of view…
Maybe Plaschke used to be a beat reporter, but not anymore. Writers who write regular opinion columns are not beat writers, it’s usually what they move up (column/ opinions).
But either way, Plaschke’s writing is always on the whiney side of things.
Plaschke is the opposite of a homer. He’s spent over a decade going against the LA teams. Pretty much since he got national fame
OKC already #1 seed, LAL wanted game more as they still climb seeding. I wouldn’t put much weight into that game.
Lakers will get worked in a 7 game series against OKC. Luka does not play D and OKC plays exceptional D.
Ask the Boston Celtics if they are worried about Luka? Nope, not one bit.
But SGA. Well he is a different sort of beast to slay.
But you already have your answers ready had Lakers lost, haven’t you?!😆
You took the words right out of my thumbs, AncientOne. It was a good win for the Lakers – but to interpret it any further than it being a game the Lakers needed more than the Thunder would be typical of a person who listens too much to the “talking heads” in (social) media and/or is a person who hasn’t followed sports for very long. Now if the same exact scenario plays out AGAIN tonight (doubtful that it will), then that should give OKC and its fans something to think about heading into the playoffs – it would be 3 straight losses to the teams immediately, though distantly, behind them in the standings. But again, doubtful it happens because there will likely be at least one key rotation piece from each side to miss tonight’s game.
The contract the Lakers gave Little Bronny would have not happened if his last name was Smith or Jones.
But he has done the work to earn it.
IF, and ONLY if, the lakers do it again Tuesday night does that first game matter at all. OKC had the 70 win carrot removed, they have the #1 wrapped up, it was probably a throw away performance.
I’m really hoping bron and Luka play…….. they need number 2 or 3 I think: They’re too much for the rockets.
I think the Lakers are happy with a split and the 3 seed, they don’t have much of a shot of passing the Rockets after the ref job win over GSW..
Honestly, I dislike LeBron greatly, but I do hope things work out for Bronny. Everyone (me included) knows the Lakers drafted him because he’s LBJ’s kid. That’s a tough way to come into the league, and I don’t want to see him leave the league with the same noose tied to his neck.
Still cant fathom how lakers hoodwinked mavs into getting doncic
Worst trade in nba history
It’s called $$$$ under the table
Nico called the Lakers, not the other way around.
What does Bronny have to do with Lakers. Bron will be gone soon. Only thing that matters now. Are these last 4 gms. @ OKC, @ Dallas, Houston, Portland. They go .500 or better they can get 3rd seed. Thats a big accomplishment considering all that’s happened this year. Best to just concentrate on that. Cause they won’t know their 1st rd opponent till end of season. Just get the home court and wait.
Every team in West should feel good. Only OKC looks like a dominant team. Denver without Murray is vulnerable. Rockets are young and unproven. Just about who gets into a good groove n run here. Lakers are in a good position right now. Never would of guessed this……