Los Angeles Lakers Report Card: Game 4 vs. Phoenix Suns
By Zain Danani
Team Grades
Offense: A
Scoring: A+
The Lakers once again dominated the scoring. The team an insane 131 points and this is with a majority of their star players playing below 30 minutes. Furthermore, the team had seven double-digit scorers led by none other than Lance Stephenson. Aside from the multiple double-digit scorers, the team also pounded the paint with 68 points, had 48 bench points, and 27 fastbreak points. If it was not clear already it should be by now – the Lakers can score.
Shooting: B
Similar to their previous contest, the Lakers shot fairly well from around the floor. The team shot 52 percent from the floor and 35.7 from deep. Although they made three fewer triples than their last game, the three-point shooting touch is definitely spreading. In this game, Josh Hart drilled four triples while JaVale McGee also expanded his range and knocked down one three-pointer. The Lakers will definitely need their above-average shooting to continue over into their matchup tonight against the Denver Nuggets.
Rebounding: B
Like shooting, the Lakers did just fine on the offensive glass. The team finished with 10 offensive rebounds, which paid off to the tune of 20 second-chance points. As I had predicted last time, Johnathan Williams‘s impact was definitely felt on the boards as he hauled in three offensive rebounds. Williams’s inclusion in the roster should definitely continue to give the Lakers a boost on the rebounding end.
Passing: A+
The Lakers matched their assist total from last game as they finished the game with 33 assists. What was more impressive, however, was that each player logged in an assist. With players like LeBron James; Lonzo Ball; and Rajon Rondo, the Lakers should continue to easily be one of the best passing teams in the league.
Defense: B-
Scoring Defense: C-
While the Lakers did great scoring offensively, they were terrible defensively yet again. The team did give up a season-low 113 points, but that is not truly positive. In last night’s matchup, the Lakers allowed for six players to score in double-digits. They even allowed Devin Booker to score 23 points and he left before the third quarter even ended. The Lakers need to get more aggressive on the defensive end. Hopefully, Josh Hart starting and Rondo’s return can save this putrid Lakers’ defense.
Blocking/Stealing: A
When looking at pure defensive stats, the Lakers played great. The team ended the contest with five blocks and a season-high 13 steals. Playing an inexperienced team like the Suns does increase the opportunity for the Lakers to have more steals, but the team was also doing a great job of reading passing lanes. In fact, the Lakers had five players who had at least two steals. Defending the passing lanes will be key once again against a pass-filled Nuggets team.
Rebounding: B
The Lakers did not do anything special on the defensive glass. The team totaled for 32 defensive rebounds. This was not bad or good – simply average. On the night, the Lakers were out-rebounded 44 to 43 by the Suns. Hopefully, Mortiz Wagner can come back soon from injury so that the Lakers can get more depth in their frontcourt, and get more rebounds.
Fouling: B
The Lakers were much more patient on the floor. The team finished with 10 fewer fouls than their previous outing – 19 compared to 29 – and did not have a single player foul out. Johnathan Williams did pick five fouls, but he is just making his way into the roster and should be fine as time progresses.