Los Angeles Lakers Report Card: Game 3 vs. San Antonio Spurs
By Zain Danani
Team Grades
Offense: B+
Scoring: A
If there has been one constant in all three of their games, the Lakers have shown that they can score in many ways. Through the use of their versatility and playmaking, the team was able to put up a whopping 142 points against the Spurs.
More importantly, the team had five double-digit scorers – two of whom had over 30 points. The bench was not as dominant in this game, but they still managed to pitch in 23 points. We should continue to see the Lakers scoring high numbers.
Shooting: B+
Although the Lakers are one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA, they showed up in this contest. The team combined for 14 threes and shot a decent – for their standards – 35.9 percent from deep.
Moreover, they had three players who made three or more three-pointers. At the same time, the Lakers continued to dominate down low as they scored 74 points in the paint.
Overall, they finished the night shooting 51.4 percent from the floor. If Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart can keep up their hot shooting from deep, the Lakers can become a true Western Conference contender.
Rebounding: B
The Lakers grabbed 13 offensive rebounds against the Spurs. Although this an increase from the season average of 10, the team also had an increase in playing time due to overtime.
With the late game performance that Johnathan Williams provided, it is possible that he plays more, which may increase the number of offensive rebounds per game. Overall, the Lakers should remain average on the offensive glass.
Passing: A+
LeBron James led all Lakers’ players in assists with 14, while the team finished the night with a total of 33. The players and front office have preached the importance of playmaking and we should continue to see the Lakers command the assist game.
Defense: C-
Scoring Defense: D
While the Lakers are remarkable at scoring on the offensive end, they are just as remarkably bad on the defensive end.
Through three games this season, the Lakers have the worst scoring defense in the league as they allow 131.7 points per game. Against the Spurs, the story remained the same.
The team allowed the Spurs to score 143 points on 51.5 percent shooting from the floor and an unacceptable 53.6 percent from deep. The Lakers seriously need to address their defensive schemes and communications soon, before they start slipping even more in standings.
Blocking/Stealing: C
The Lakers finished the night with five steals and six blocks. While this is not good, it is definitely a step up from the scoring defense. These stats should definitely see a bump when Rondo and Ingram make their way back into the roster as their tenacity and length, respectively, will disrupt the defense.
Rebounding: B
The Lakers did okay on the defensive glass. While they did haul in 39 defensive rebounds, their lack of communication allowed for the Spurs to grab 10 offensive rebounds.
As previously stated, the addition of Johnathan Williams should lead to more defensive rebounds. The Lakers should continue to work on their defensive chemistry, however, to cut the number of offensive rebounds they give up.
Fouling: F
If there were any stats that the Lakers lost this game to it would be fouling. Every player recorded a foul for the Lakers. Even worse was fouling for the centers, as JaVale McGee fouled out in 28 minutes of playing and Ivica Zubac had five fouls in less than five minutes of playing time.