5 Things: Starting off on the right foot

There were two ways this road trip go to start. The Lakers made sure, although it took all the way into the final seconds to solidify, it started with a win. Behind an exemplary game from AD, a historic night by LeBron and a $47 million dollar floor dive by Russ the Lakers Best the Milwaukee Bucks on their home floor.

1. Davis continues his “Have You Seen Me Lately, Though” tour. While outside shots are starting to find their way back into AD’s ‘every game’ shot selection his true home this season has in the paint. Davis was 2-3 from three, a sign that he’s getting more and more confident in his outside shot. That’s not what’s defining his season. Anthony is the bes inside player the Lakers have, leading a series of body blows every game that weakens the opponent for easy buckets and put-backs. While he didn’t amass a silly good amount of rebounds he secured the biggest one of the night just over the out-stretched fingers of Giannis, the one off Jrue’s miss that led to his game sealing free throws.
2. LeBron making more history. Last night he made history in two categories. He passed Earvin “Magic” Johnson into sole possession of 6th on the All-Time assists category. Magic did it in 906, The King in 1381 which only highlights how much of an impact Magic had passing the ball in his 14 year career. LeBron also passed Cliff Robinson to move to 13th in All Time games played. We had another well-balanced game from LeBron last night as once again he allowed and encouraged AD to be the focal point.
3. Patrick Beverley’s best game yet. While he didn’t have a positive +/- Patrick did make the most shits we’ve seen in awhile. While I have my doubts he’ll end his season in LA it was nice to see him make some solid contributions in a win.
4. Zero. The number of turnovers LeBRon and Russell Westbrook had to go with their mirrored 11 assists. While certainly unsustainable it was a key stat that helped us win the ball game against the best ranked defense in the NBA.
5. Welcome back Darvin Ham? I’m sure Coach savored this one a bit. I am liking Coach Ham more and more as the season has wore on. Gone are the celebrations from the team after a dunk or spectacular play as if such a thing had never been conceived of let alone executed. Last season our team seemed to lead the league in meaningless celebrations in the face of disheartening losses, maybe they had to just to through it. We’re a little more professional this season, I think Ham has more than a little to do with it.

Sunday we can keep this baby rolling if we bring the same level of focus and intensity to the contest. We’re more than in the hunt for decent seeding since the west is still a mess, we can take advantage of that if we play well and win.