Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Lessons from win against Washington Wizards

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Davis Bertans #42 and Ish Smith #14 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Staples Center on November 29, 2019 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. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Davis Bertans #42 and Ish Smith #14 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Staples Center on November 29, 2019 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. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)-Quinn Cook
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)-Quinn Cook

Rajon Rondo redeems himself (Somewhat!). There’s a Quinn Cook sighting and the Los Angeles Lakers centers can’t miss.

Sure Rajon Rondo threw a couple of lobs to Anthony Davis and LeBron James that looked nice for the highlight reels. Actually in this game, Rondo did some damage in the first half before sitting down for the rest of the game.

Rondo scored 13 points on 5-7 shooting. The exciting part for the Lakers faithful is that he knocked down three shots from distance. He looked confident in his form and none of the shots hit the rim. They were all clean and pure. The defense was still bad, but it’s the Wizards.

Quinn Cook was M.I.A. for a couple of games but he took advantage of minutes opened up with Alex Caruso’s foul difficulties. Cook seemingly never lost a beat scoring 17 points on 7-11 shooting including 3-4 from the land of the extra point. Cook might have placed himself back in the rotation as he was one of six players that scored in double figures. Troy Daniels, who was the only player on the team that didn’t score might have to give up his spot.

Finally, the Los Angeles Lakers centers just don’t miss shots. Doesn’t matter which one, both finish at the rim and hard.

JaVale McGee had a double-double scoring 15 points and collecting 10 rebounds. He shot 5-7 from the field and he got the offensive rebound of one miss when he tried to catch a lob one-handed.

To be totally honest, Dwight Howard is the only reason the 4th quarter was worth watching. Something was brewing between Dwight and Moritz Wagner. Dwight Howard drew a flagrant foul on Davis Bertans. Wagner bumped into Howard and the two exchanged words. The next time the Lakers was on offense, Dwight was downright offensive.

https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1200652891905646593

Offensive enough to draw a technical foul. The rest of the roster (That means you LeBron and AD!) should pick up the fine. A few minutes later Frank Vogel pulled him out of the game. Tensions were running high and the Lakers coaching staff did a great job of protecting Dwight from himself.

Dwight Howard finished with 8 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in 19 minutes of work. He missed one shot.

If you are scoring at home, the Lakers centers scored a combined 23 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and 4 blocks. Combine that with the stats of the rest of the front line of Anthony Davis and LeBron James, the Lakers have the best front line in the NBA. It’s not close and look for the Los Angeles Clippers to make a move at the trade deadline if this keeps up. They don’t match up with this bunch when they are all playing well.

The Los Angeles Lakers run it back with Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.

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