Nothing’s been easy for the Lakers this season. They needed overtime to beat the Timbewolves in the Play-In to get into the playoffs and overtime last night to take a commanding 3–1 lead over the troublesome Grizzlies.
The new-look Lakers are no longer just superstars James and Davis and a bunch of no name role players. The emergence of Reaves and trades for Russell, Vanderbilt, Hachimura, and Beasley have transformed the roster.
Last night’s game confirmed what we have been watching during this series: the Lakers have a deep and diverse roster that no longer has to rely on LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing like superstars to win games.
While LeBron’ James stole the show with his game-tying layup with 0.8 seconds left in regulation and game-sealing layup plus free throw with 29.4 seconds left in overtime, multiple other Lakers players were also heroes.
Reaves’ 23-points were game high and his +12 plus/minus second best. Schroder scored 12 points with a team-best +24 plus/minus. And Russell’s three straight threes to fuel the fourth quarter comeback were critical.
The contributions from the non-superstars have actually been what has given the Lakers their commanding 3–1 lead over the Grizzlies. It’s why the Lakers have won 3 of 4 playoff games and are top-4 in DefRtg and NetRtg.
Lakers best Playoff OffRtsg were Hachimura 116.4, Russell 114.8, Schroder 112.2; best Playoff DefRtg Schroder 99.5, Reaves 100.0, and Davis’ 102.8; and best Playoff NetRtg Schroder +12.7, Hachimura +11.7, Reaves +10.7.
While James and Davis are available, both are slightly hobbled by injuries and constantly dodging possible reinjury which makes the emergence of Reaves, Russell, Hachimura, and Vanderbilt a life saver for the Lakers.
The Lakers dilemma has been their inconsistency as teams and as players. Some of it is because of the lack of continuity and chemistry due to injuries and new players. The only cure is more on court minutes and reptitions.
James and Davis still seem to be struggling some with their foot injuries and almost taking turns carrying the team as they try to figure things out. James and Davis together appeared in only 36 of the Lakers 82 games.
That the Lakers were able to win 3 of their 4 games against the Grizzlies despite LeBron James posting a negative -2.2 net rating is a testament to the trade deadline roster makeover and defense anchored by Anthony Davis.
While the Lakers have in some ways struggled to adjust to playoff mode, the good news is they have still figured out how to win. It may not have been easy or pretty but in the end, they found a way to bring home a W.
While there have been calls for Mo Bamba and Lonnie Walker to be given an opportunity, Darvin Ham and his coaching staff have done an excellent job so far getting the team ready and motivated to play at a high level.
The monster test for these inconsistent Lakers will be closing out the Grizzlies Wednesday night and hopefully getting a few days off before having to face the winner of the Kings and Warriors first round series.
Will they ride the momentum of last night’s big win and come in ready and motivated to complete the 4–1 Gentlemen’s Sweep of the Grizzlies or will they show up fat, flat, and happy and allow the Grizzlies to stay alive.
The Lakers need to recognize they were just a missed layup by LeBron from being tied 2–2 with the Grizzlies. Lakers need to play their best game of the series tomorrow night and complete Gentlemen’s Sweep.
Lakers need to finish this first round series off Wednesday night. It’s great to win OT games to get into the playoffs and get a big edge in the first round series but when you get to a CLOSEOUT game, you no longer can afford to play with your food.
I would like Ham to have a quick whistle for players who don’t play D or value the ball. Lakers cannot afford to let the pesky Grizzlies remain alive. Focus and execute. End the series in Memphis. Get some valuable R&R before facing Kings or Dubs.
Aloha Tom, yes it has been the others. Last night the Griz were sending 2 and 3 guys at AD. But we built a 15 point lead on the backs of the others. It was when we decided that we needed to get AD involved in the offense that we lost the momentum. There was a series of forced bad passes into him and when he did manage to catch the ball he found himself surrounded. I think the “if it aint broke, don’t fix it “ applies. I think they should have continued to exploit what the defense was giving us and forced them to adjust. If the Griz continues this defensive strategy I don’t care if AD is not scoring. Take advantage of what the Griz are giving us. We have a group of quality role players that are more then capable of making them pay.
I don’t disagree with anything you say, Michael, but AD has to be more aggressive in sealing his man, getting rebounds, and attacking the basket. When he is engaged, he does not need to have the ball passed to him. He can just go out and get it, which he did not do well enough on offense last game.
I love that we have guys who can deliver when we need it but in the end, we’re going to need our superstars to play like superstars. Last night, we would have lost that game but for LeBron James. No matter how good our role playes play, we aren’t going to win a championship unless LBJ and AD play like true superstars.
AD is so banged up! They rough him up and hardly any calls. Take a tip AD from Funky Music how to get fouls. Bet he (AR) watched alot of Harden. I think game tying and OT layups were quite well done for LBJ as well as 22-20-7. I would only say stop shooting those 3’s Bron!