The Lakeshow Review

Fresh off of an Opening Night defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers took the floor at Crypto Arena to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves for their second contest of the season. In stark contrast to the season opener, the Lakers looked considerably better, managing to best Minnesota by a final score of 128-110. The Lakers looked like quick learners, showcasing a new outlook, and looking like a different team from the one that fell to the Timberwolves during the first round of last season’s playoffs. In any case, it’s great to see the Lakers come out with a different edge after getting humbled by the Warriors on Opening Night. The ball movement, the execution, the defense, the attention to detail, it was all night and day from what we saw from the team during last Tuesday’s loss. If LA keeps this up, they can start racking racking up wins early on in the young season, which will pay dividends later on.

The main storyline in this contest was one Luka Dončić, who continued his captivating and dominant play with yet another gem. Luka had himself a dandy, scoring 49 points, grabbing 11 boards and dishing out eight assists. He did so on a minty 14-23 from the field, including 5-12 from deep. Luka also made history, scoring 92 total points during the first two games of the season, the most since Jerry West. On the floor, he did whatever he wanted to. Whether it was stepping back for three, taking it to the hole, if he wasn’t pulling up from the midrange, not to mention being a total wizard on the pick and roll. The Timberwolves opted to play drop coverage, primarily with Rudy Gobert, on Luka’s ball screens. Luka countered by punishing Minnesota, utilizing the open space to create for himself, when he wasn’t feeding Deandre Ayton at the rim, or a wide open shooter at the corner. LA also did a much better job at making shots this game, as Austin Reaves (25 points), Deandre Ayton (15 points) and Rui Hachimura (23 points), all filled the scoresheet on the offensive end. This is the type of balance which the team must strive for in order to be competitive against the top foes of the Western Conference.

Things did not start out so rosy for LA, as Minnesota bursted out of the gates with a commanding 10-4 run to start the game. They did so on the back on Athony Edwards, who finished the game with a team-high 31 points, and was scoring with ease all over LAs defense. It looked like the Lakers were headed for another lopsided loss. Thankfully, Luka Dončić was up for the task, as he scored seven straight points to keep Minny’s lead from ballooning out of control. At one point, Minnesota led 21-13 early in the first quarter, after which JJ Redick smartly used a timeout that helped LA catch their wind and reset their motors. They began to chip away at the T-Wolves lead, and by halftime, they found themselves leading 68-63. Once again, in stark contrast to Tuesday’s loss, the Lakers managed to produce a prosperous third quarter, pushing their lead to double digits. They eventually led Minnesota by over 20 at one point in the fourth, after which LA decided to sit their starters. It was certainly an impressive win, not to mention a crucial one, as the Lakers got an early taste of the type of basketball they’re capable of playing when they’re engaged and clicking on all cylinders.

Defense was a pivotal key in this win, as Jarred Vanderbilt and newcomer Marcus Smart both showed the tremendous value that’ll have for this team moving forward. These two have the ability to bring a sense of toughness and defensive tenacity, both elements that the team sorely needs. Jake LaRavia’s play also should not go without notice, as his on-ball defense was stellar, providing the size and toughness at the wing that LA needs in order to hang with the Minnesota’s of the NBA. In this game, we saw LA get after the Timberwolves defensively, creating turnovers by pressuring the ballhandler and battling for all the 50/50 balls that can inspire any team with a burst of momentum. This brand of play is invaluable, as it gives the Lakers an edge against the better teams; if LA can consistently defend at this level, while having Luka quarterback the offense, then they can certainly win alot of games. Enough to be a strong playoff seed in a tough Western Conference.

Offensively, the Lakers looked much better as well. They put together a well-balanced attack, one which frustrated Minnesota from multiple areas of the floor. Luka is squarely at the epicenter of this, as his play opens up opportunities for everyone else. Against Minnesota, the Lakers got much better mileage from their pick and roll. Luka was masterful all night. He punished the defense for going under the screen by pulling up from three. When they went over, he managed to drive to the middle of the floor where he truly excels as an offensive connecter; he can score himself, hit the open man, or hit the rolling big man for an easy finish. Deandre Ayton also showed why he is so valuable to LAs offense as his screen setting and diving to the basket opens up other actions on the perimeter. The Lakers produced quite quite a number of ‘hockey assists’, whether it was from Luka’s penetration or from Ayton rolling hard to the basket, which triggers help from the outside. With LA making most of their open looks, they managed to capitalize on most of these advantages.

Once again, this was a much better showing by the Lakers, who’s aggression and focus helped them earn their first win of the year. Crisp rotations, excellent ball movement and timely shot-making all proved to be factors in favor of the Lakers. This is the type of basketball that’s needed more often than not, in order to be amongst the top teams in the Western Conference. Of course it all starts with one Luka Dončić. But if the team can put forth this type of complimentary basketball from their role players, then they’re in great shape to give any team a run for their money. There’s still plenty of room to grow, but this is certainly a step in right direction. Let’s hope that they can keep building and progressing into the type of team that they’re capable of being. The Lakers will take on Sacramento on Monday for their first road game of the year. The Kings are always a tough out, and always show up for anything Lakers related. So now isn’t the time to ease the foot on the accelerator. If we see a repeat effort of Thursday’s dominating performance against Minnesota, then they’ll be in good shape. Hopefully LA resumes their commitment to playing great team basketball with a defensive energy to match. Go Lakers.