Los Angeles Lakers: 3 takeaways from win against the Indiana Pacers

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 19: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers is congratulated by Larry Nance Jr. #7 after scoring a basket and getting fouled against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Staples Center on January 19, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Clarkson scored a game high 33 point to defat the Pacers, 99-86. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 19: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers is congratulated by Larry Nance Jr. #7 after scoring a basket and getting fouled against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Staples Center on January 19, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Clarkson scored a game high 33 point to defat the Pacers, 99-86. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 takeaways from win against the Indiana Pacers
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 19: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes to the basket against the Indiana Pacers on January 19, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Sharing the Basketball and Solid Defense

The Lakers win yesterday seemed like a shocker, but it was well deserved. For the first time without Zo, the team was able to play some great offense. Additionally, the team held its ground defensively to get the win.

Offensively, the Lakers finished the night with 26 assists and only 14 turnovers. Considering that Ball – their primary playmaker – was out, it is impressive that the team was able to have more assists than their season average, 23.6, and fewer turnovers than their season average, 16.7. Moreover, every Lakers’ player made at least two field goals.

The team also did a great job defensively. Although they only had seven steals and six blocks, L.A.’s constant hustle and aggressiveness paid off. The team only allowed the Pacers to make two of their 25 three-point attempts – an eight percent success rate. Furthermore, they only allowed Indiana to shoot 38.1 percent from the floor.

Hopefully, L.A. can continue to trust each other on offense and play aggressive defense.

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