The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Dallas Maverick Wednesday night, adding to their eight-game losing streak. Here are three highs and three lows from the game.
The Lakers lost this game because they simply could not hold the Mavericks when it came to defense. The exciting part is at least the offense finally showed up some, even if it was in a loss.
Julius Randle led the team with a triple double, while D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson each scored 22 points apiece.
The Highs
Julius Randle’s Productivity: Randle has his third triple-double of the season, giving the haters something to talk about. Some have said they should trade the Kentucky product, but why? If he can develop into a Draymond Green type of player the Lakers will have found a gem.
Sixth Man Clarkson: Since the trade of Lou Williams, Clarkson has become the de-facto scorer for a second unit that is now struggling to find baskets. Even with the points that Clarkson is giving the team, he’s not worth 12.5 million, partly because he doesn’t provide many other stats.
Team Rebounding: Yes, the Lakers finally won a rebound battle. Yes, it was against the small ball playing Mavericks, but at this point in the season, the Lakers will take any small moral victory they can gather up. They probably would’ve had a chance to win this game had Dirk not shared his “secret stuff” with the entire team.
The Lows
Defensive Struggles: The Dallas Mavericks are among the league’s slowest team all season, yet the Lakers somehow gave up 122 points. For the team to take the next step, their young will have to step their game on the defensive end.
Tarik Still Starting?: With Magic saying that he wanted Ivica Zubac to get more minutes as the season comes to a close, it only makes sense that he takes over the starting role for Black. Zubac will be the team’s starting center for years to come.
3-Pt. Shooting Woes: If it weren’t for Nick Young being on the team, the Lakers would more than likely be at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to total 3 pointers made. Besides the occasional outburst from D’Angelo or Clarkson, the Lakers do not have a consistent 3 pt threat outside of Nick Young.
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