Still in NYC so this’ll be short and sweet.
1) Austin Reaves arrives. Austin was one of every Laker that played to miss free throws last night. He missed three, two techs and a regular one. I’m sure, like AD, he felt like a redemption was in order. Reaves was nothing short of spectacular down the stretch and closed the game out scoring 12 points in the final frame.
2) AD’s rough shooting night didn’t stop him. He had the dime of the game as he hit a cutting Reaves for a dunk, did his usual solid work on the glass, and provided the defense we needed to pull out the win.
3) D’Angelo got back to smooth. What I like about D-Lo (but will also be something that likely prevents him from reaching superstardom) is his penchant for not forcing his game. Save for the occasional transition three he doesn’t call his own number much. Last night he was a cool 50% from everywhere (except the free throw line where he was perfect), has 6 assists to 1 turnover and a couple blocks. Always in control, rarely letting the ball stick. The opposite of what Russ brought.
4) Wenyan earning a payday. I couldn’t be happier to see Gabriel both forcing his way into a larger role with his play but also giving himself the chance to earn some money and stay in the league as a spark plug off the bench. Much the same as how Thomas Bryant showed everyone what he’s capable of when AD went down, Wenyan is making the absolute most of LeBron’s absence. What will happen when The King comes back is anyone’s guess but I feel like Wenyan has shown he belongs in the league and could be a viable option if Vanderbilt struggles.
5) What to do with Malik. I’m starting to feel for the guy. Maybe he should lock himself in Cypto and shoot for a day or two? Talk to the coaches about putting his pet play to get shots off in? Share the floor with LeBron so there’s an actual defensive decision to make? Regardless he’s shooting himself out of that option, game by game and it would make everything better for everyone if he could find his stroke. If it’s the bright lights if LA maybe we can find a suitable destination for him this summer.
Yep!
Time for Austin Reaves to become the Lakers starting shooting guard. Beasley has mostly come off the bench and might find that to be an easier role to play on this team.
Meanwhile, it’s time for Ham and the Lakers to see how high Austin Reaves ceiling is. He may not have superstar talent but it’s getting clearer and clearer that he’s going to be a star in this league.
And he’s getting more and more gravity from defenders. His footwork and ability to draw fouls in the paint is the real deal. He needs to start.
That, along with getting the ball to AD, have to be what Ham focus’ on during this short break. We need to win out the rest of this season.
NO MORE LOSSES.
Yup, yup, and yup.
Bingo!