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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 takeaways from five-game road trip

By Kenneth Teape

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 21: The Los Angeles Lakers huddle up before the game against the New York Knicks on January 21, 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)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 21: The Los Angeles Lakers huddle up before the game against the New York Knicks on January 21, 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) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 takeaways from five-game road trip
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 2: Brook Lopez #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Jarrett Allen #31 of the Brooklyn Nets during the game at Barclays Center on February 2, 2018 in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /

Brook Lopez Coming Alive

When the Lakers acquired Brook Lopez from the Brooklyn Nets prior to the 2017 NBA Draft, fans were excited. Lopez had developed himself into a threat from long-range, giving the Lakers a much-needed floor spacer. In addition to his offensive skill set, Lopez would also improve the Lakers defense as a rim protector.

It looked good on paper, but the results weren’t showing up on the court. The lumbering Lopez is unable to keep up with the fast-paced Lakers, as he didn’t fit into their playing style. As a result, he was struggling through the worst season of his career.

Head coach Luke Walton hadn’t even been using Lopez much in crunch time, as he isn’t playing fourth-quarter minutes. That changed near the end of the road trip and Lopez rewarded Walton with great play.

Lopez played great against his twin brother, Robin Lopez, in the opener of the road trip, scoring 17 points with six rebounds. It was the first time he pulled down six rebounds since his last matchup with the Bulls on November 21st. After two quiet games, Lopez responded with great performances against his old team in the Nets and Thunder.

Against the Nets, Lopez scored 19 points with three rebounds and three assists. He played a meaningful role down the stretch as his rim protection was key in getting the win. Against the Thunder, Lopez had 20 points with five rebounds, five assists and one block. Again, he received minutes in the fourth quarter and made the most of them.

While Lopez has struggled most of the season, it seems like he is coming into his own. Walton is making a concerted effort to get him inside more often, leading to more success.

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