Grades for James, Davis. Reaves, & Russell in Lakers Game 4 win

Grades for LeBron James, Anthony Davis in Lakers Game 4 win vs. Nuggets https://t.co/sbPXz2WNTF

— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 28, 2024

LeBron James

39 minutes, 30 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 14-23 FG, 0-2 3PT, 2-2 FT, +1

It wasn’t LeBron’s best game — there were still a few too many turnovers and defensive breakdowns — but he definitely much better in Game 4, to say the least. There were multiple times in the fourth where he determined he was getting to the rim and/or scoring against a mismatch.

He also looked fresher at the end of the game in the fourth when the Lakers needed him. He only played a handful fewer minutes but perhaps it was how they were allocated or him keeping some more in reserve, but he had an extra gear in the fourth he hasn’t always had this series.

Grade; A

Anthony Davis

42 minutes, 25 points, 23 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block, 11-17 FG, 3-4 FT, +11

This is one of those nights where you write out the stat line and marvel. The Lakers have had rebounding issues against the Nuggets in basically all over the last 12 games. On Saturday, AD simply determined he wouldn’t allow that to happen.

He grabbed 20 defensive rebounds, which were massive. And Nikola Jokic has had absolutely nothing for him defensively this series. Just an all-time stretch of games for AD.

Grade: A+

Austin Reaves

30 minutes, 21 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists, 7-15 FG, 1-6 3PT, 6-6 FT, +1

Without question, this is the most comfortable Austin Reaves has looked this series. Reaves padded his stats at the end of Game 3, but that may have helped him find a rhythm moving forward.

Whatever it may be, this was a much-needed performance from Reaves, who has back-to-back 20-point games now. This one, though, was a lot more impactful.

Also, I probably haven’t given him enough credit for how good he’s been defensively against Jamal Murray.

Grade: A-

D’Angelo Russell

41 minutes, 21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 8-15 FG, 4-8 3PT, 1-2 FT, +15

It’s not great for the Lakers Game 5 hopes that D’Lo seems to be alternating good and bad games this series. It was great news for their hopes of being swept on Saturday, though.

The big difference between this and Game 2 is that D’Lo really let the game come to him in this one. He scored 14 of his 21 points in the second half and picked his spots much better.

Grade: A-