Los Angeles Lakers: 3 takeaways from loss against the Golden State Warriors

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 22: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 22, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 22: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 22, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 22: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakershandles the ball against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors on December 22, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Rookies Keep Rocking

Heading into the season the number one priority for the Lakers was rebuilding. As with any rebuilding, the process begins with new pieces – rookies for the Lakers. The team began the season with high hopes for their number two pick – Lonzo Ball.

Ball struggled early on in the season but has picked up his slack as of late. As for the time that he struggled, the Lakers were hit by surprise with the talent of their other rookie – Kyle Kuzma. The 22-year-old dazzled as he showcased his ability to play all over the floor offensively and with confidence.

Last night, for the first time since Summer League, the two finally got into their groove together. Lonzo Ball had his second-best shooting and scoring performance of the season. He totaled 24 points on 56.3 percent shooting. The rookie also had his best three-point shooting game as he scored five three-pointers on 83.3 percent shooting – both season-highs.

Kuzma chimed in with one of his best performances of the season as well. He finished with 27 points, the third-highest of his career, and 14 rebounds, a new career-high. The rookie also had one of his better defensive games as he had two steals and one block.

Next: Lakers: 3 Reasons To Trade Julius Randle

Let’s hope that Ball and Kuzma can keep up their strong performances as they take on the Portland Trailblazers tonight.

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