The Lakeshow Review

The Lakers made their way back to Los Angeles, to take on the dreaded crosstown rival Clippers. In a matchup chock full of starpower, it was Luka Dončić who rose above the crop with a dominating performance, one that saw the 26 year-old Slovenian drop 43 points, pull down nine boards and distribute 13 assists, en route to a 135-118 Lakers victory. The Lakers got off to a poor start defensively, but this was one of those rare games where the team put forth a full 48-minute effort in terms of hustle and intensity. They also produced a combined 99 points from Luka (43 points), Austin Reaves (31 points, nine rebounds) and LeBron James (25 points, six rebounds and six assists), all three of whom were able to successfully carry the offensive load throughout different portions of the game. The Lakers got a full team game last night, and these are the types of performances they should strive to produce more of.

LA got off to a hot start offensively, as Luka Dončić poured in 24 first quarter points. Amazingly, the Lakers failed to take a lead following the opening quarter, as the Clippers, led by James Harden (29 points, five rebounds and nine assists) managed to give LAs defense all types of fits. The Lakers’ lax defensive rotations, combined with the Clippers’ relentless switch hunting (primarily with Harden on-ball), led to several defensive breakdowns. Despite Luka going off for five three-pointers in the initial 12 minutes, the Lakers still found themselves down 38-37.

The Lakers managed to tighten things up in the second period, as both Austin Reaves and LeBron James went to work. AR continues to be a stud in high pick-and-roll scenarios, this time mostly with Jaxson Hayes and his lob partner, as regular starter Deandre Ayton sat out the game due to knee discomfort. The Clippers, however, managed to stay afloat, as Kawhi Leonard (19 points and five boards) displayed the midrange shot mastery that’s made him an elite scorer for the better part of his career. LA managed to take a 69-66 lead into the break.

The second half saw things get even more competitive, as the Lakers opened a double-digit lead, spurred primarily by LeBron’s playmaking, as he seems to be finding a niche operating out of the post, often connecting with cutters on the weak side. We also saw LAs coaching staff implement some elbow pick-and-rolls, with LeBron as the initiator, something that’s been an LBJ staple since his second stint with the Cavs. These were able to generate some clean midrange looks, which James successfully converted. This was easily LeBron’s best game he’s played thus far, with one being able to make the case that he carried the offense in spurts, particularly when Luka sat. His playmaking was key in keeping the offense flowing during his shifts as the primary initiator.

James Harden, however, was dialled-in offensively, and his one-on-one play kept the Clippers in the game. His step-back jumper is still a weapon, and the Lakers had no answers for the Clippers matchup hunting, often getting Harden attacking against a big, where he was able to break down the first level of the defense. The Clippers fought back to make it a one-point game late in the third, before Luka checked back in to provide an offensive lift, guiding LA to a 98-93 advantage before the final quarter. In the fourth, the Lakers seemed to have a bit more gas in the tank, as they kept running their offense, building another double-digits lead, this one they would not relinquish. Austin Reaves found some success as a spot-up man, particularly on the single side of Luka’s pick-and-rolls. LeBron also had a great night as a secondary distributor, often hitting AR or Rui Hachimura on crisp off-ball actions. Things got chippy late in the fourth, as Jaxson Hayes and Clippers’ guard Kris Dunn got into a “light scuffle”, after Hayes stepped in to stick up for Luka, which produced an ejection for Dunn. The game had been decided at that point, and the Lakers rode out the final minutes to a double-digit blowout.

This game was the type of team effort that the Lakers should look to pattern. Even though the defense was suspect, at times, and the Lakers had no answers for Harden’s isolation play early on in the game, they still put forth the type of all-out hustle that is complementary to their starpower. LA won the rebounding battle (38-29) while also producing more team assists (29-24), fastbreak points (24-8), points in the paint (62-48) while also giving up less turnovers (11-16). Even though the Clippers threw some successful haymakers, LA eventually landed the knockout blow. The return of LeBron has also helped the offense, as opponents are weary of full-court pressing Luka, or Austin, as the LA usually has at least two elite playmakers on the floor at all times. The half-court offense has also seen an uptick, with more quality looks being consistently generated. Additionally, even with a depleted frontcourt, they still managed to swarm Clippers center Ivica Zubac, and showed impressive physicality with the players they had available. When the team plays with this type of tenacity and focus, they’re capable of beating most teams. Hopefully it continues. LA will now have two days off before they take the court against the Mavericks this Friday in LA. With the win, the Lakers have now also clinched their group stage in the Emirates Cup. But as things are shaping out, it’s important for the team to just keep winning, currently sitting at 13-4 and second place overall in the Western Conference. Hopefully, the team can finish their current homestand on a high note. Go Lakers.