Los Angeles Lakers: 4 Lessons from 112-104 win over Pelicans
By Ronald Agers
Brandon Ingram made his return…and he brought his friends along
Lakers fans were very happy to see Brandon Ingram back in the lineup. Ingram showed the love scoring 18 points while grabbing 7 rebounds with 2 assists and a steal. At times he looked like he was rusty, but he did have his moments…
Welcome back Brandon Ingram!#LakeShow (đź“ş: @SpectrumSN & ESPN) pic.twitter.com/ak0nKIcPw5
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 22, 2018
With Rajon Rondo back in the fold, he drives the fast break and leaves a high one for Brandon for the slam dunk!
What I liked from Ingram was he continued to play his game in the mid-range area. He attempted a couple of threes and they both rimmed out, but he stayed within his comfort area and kept knocking down jumpers from 12 to 15 feet.
But he did more than that. He competed on both ends. Something that did not go unnoticed by Luke Walton…
Walton opened his presser praising Brandon Ingram (18 points, 7 boards) for paying attention to how they were playing when he was out, and coming in and playing the right way, making winning plays. Set screens, played D, scored when needed, made extra passes, boarded in traffic.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 22, 2018
Keep it up Brandon!
Kyle Kuzma is just playing his game but now with the consistency.
🎥 Kyle Kuzma finished with a team-high 23 points in tonight's #LakersWin against New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/jdU2RTmh9a
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 22, 2018
What’s exciting about this game was the fact that with all that was going on, you would never believe that Kuz led the team in scoring. It really had to be the quietest 23 points on record this season. Kyle knocked down his points when the team needed it. It seemed every run that the Pelicans had seemed to be stunted by a timely Kuzma basket.
Finally Lonzo…
Lonzo Ball played a solid floor game scoring 12 points on 5-10 shooting with 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Here’s a great one here…
This time it's Lonzo with the deep ball that hits Kuz for an and-1#LakeShow (đź“ş: @SpectrumSN & ESPN) pic.twitter.com/7ws2NR4Yld
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 22, 2018
He continued his great defense holding Jrue Holiday to 2-10 shooting when he defended him.
On thing about his three-point shooting. He has a bad habit of dropping his hands instead of holding his form. He needs to break the habit. It’s good that he is gaining confidence and is looking for the shot. But he does not need to snap his hands down.
BuT LoNzO cAn'T sHoOt.#LakeShow (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/DmyH4WJAID
— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) December 22, 2018
Just something to watch going forward.
Finally, Julius Randle was honored by the Lakers during the game. He finished the game with 21 points, 8 rebounds and respect from the Lakers nation.
You have mine too Julius. You have a lot of game and will have a lot of money coming!
Lakers give Julius Randle a welcome back video. pic.twitter.com/Lv8Bi6RoD8
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) December 22, 2018
The Los Angeles Lakers have started their long journey through the NBA season. Lake Show Life will be there every step of the way. Continue to check in for Lakers news, previews and reviews.