Haven’t even been able to see any of the games on the roadie, got sick and busy at the same time. Awesome combo.
1) We’re really missing Rui. Like Kuzma a couple years before him, Rui is a great “plug and play” guy. Works in a bunch of different lineups, steady production and can bust out for a big game. We miss his spacing and defense. A lot.
2) Missing Hayes. The 7 foot Antelope has carved himself a solid role on this team. At times placed behind the erratic Koloko in terms of ability, Hayes has distanced himself from the other bigs. When paired with Luka and Reaves he helps to create offense through lobs and rebound tap outs. On defense, while certainly not elite, he’s solid and plays big.
3) Oh yeah, LeBron. Kinda goes without saying that we miss the NBA’s all time leading scorer. You know what he does, you know what he brings, so here’s hoping he’s an available to play again in the next week or so.
4) The Return of Dalton Knecht. Dude balled out against Denver and showed exactly why the Lakers had second thoughts on the trade. We already had essentially the same player as Williams in Hayes and DK4 has something special in him. If he can start to add some moves off the dribble (and he should look at how Luka uses his body to create space and separation) he’ll be something akin to Khris Middleton, which would be an amazing leap, not expecting that any time soon. But eventually? Yeah, I can see it.
5) Trust Reaves. Yeah, he had a bad turnover down the stretch. He also should have gone to the line 2-3 more times when he was fouled on drives. To his credit, he’s toned down the post-play complaining…a little…and it goes without saying the Lakers are comfortable putting the ball in his hands. Only the elite playmaking of Luka and the advanced age/wear and tear prevention for LeBron keep the ball out of his hands at this point.
Hey Jamie! I was so sorry to hear you weren’t feeling well—glad to know you’re on the mend now! It’s fantastic to reconnect with you. About the game, you absolutely nailed it—your take on Rui was spot on. He’s such a vital part of the team, and his absence is definitely felt. Can’t wait to see him back in action soon!
And Jaxson Hayes? I’m completely with you there. I’ve been following him since last year and knew he had that potential to soar—he just needed the right setup and teammates to bring out his best. And wow, he’s proving that now! His chemistry with players like LeBron, Austin, and Luka is electric. They’re feeding off each other’s energy, and it’s transforming the game. Your post captured that excitement perfectly! Let’s keep this momentum going!
Take care my friend!