Los Angeles Lakers: 3 takeaways from loss against the Detroit Pistons

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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 26: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against the Detroit Pistons on March 26, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Rookies

Aside from Julius Randle, who we will get to later, the team was carried by their two star rookies. Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma, who combined for 35 points and 19 rebounds. Moreover, they combined for three of L.A.’s six triples. The duo also shot a joint 65.2 percent from the floor and 42.9 percent from deep. Even more remarkable that their combined stats was each individual’s performance.

Kuzma totaled 20 points and 11 rebounds. He shot 53.3 percent from the floor and his 11 rebounds tied a team-high for the game. In fact, the rookie from Flint has been on fire since the All-Star break as he is averaging 16.4 points and 7.8 rebounds. Moreover, he has shot 44.5 percent from the floor and 41.9 percent from deep in that span. Even more impressively, Kuzma has managed to score in double-digits each game.

Lonzo finished the night with 15 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists. Furthermore, he shot a whopping 87.5 percent from the floor and only had two turnovers. Zo also had two of the team’s three steals. Unlike Kuzma, Ball’s play has not changed much since the All-Star break. Last night’s game, however, marked Zo’s best shooting night (minimum 5 shots) all season.

The Lakers have definitely made strides in becoming a better team than the past couple years, but they still have a long way to go. Fortunately, however, the team has been blessed with two talented rookies who seem up for the task.

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