Los Angeles Lakers: 4 Lessons in bounce-back win over Utah Jazz!
By Ronald Agers
Lake Show Life fans won’t allow this report not to include Danny Green!
Danny Green started this game and scored 8 points in 21 minutes but it’s plain to see his time as starter may be limited. Alex Caruso finished the game in crunch time and J.R. Smith got more time on the floor.
Out of those 8 points, none of them was from the 3 point line and his defense was still spotty. Lake Show Life is working on a feature on who needs to replace Green in the starting lineup.
Be on the lookout for that.
Kyle Kuzma:
Got into foul trouble with five, but hit a huge 3 point shot down the stretch before AD shut the door. Kyle Kuzma finished with 9 points on 3-6 shooting including a couple from downtown. Many believe he could get a starting spot in the future, but he has to be able to defend without fouling. Despite the foul trouble, he led the team with a plus/minus of +12. His shot was on and he could have had a 20 point night.
Dion Waiters:
He does what he does. He scored 7 points with 3 assists and 2 steals. He turned the ball over four times but he pushed the pace.
Alex Caruso:
The next starter if Danny Green doesn’t get it together. His defense slowed Donovan Mitchell in the second half and he made plays with 5 assists. When he is on the floor and not scared to death like he looked against Toronto, the Los Angeles Lakers are a better defensive team with him on the floor. LeBron plays well with him and if he would just knock down two 3 pointers a game, Danny Green will be at the back of the bench.
Overall, the Los Angeles Lakers had an efficient night, which was a product of Anthony Davis and the ability to control the pace on both ends of the floor. As the Lakers try and get into game shape one thing will be clear.
- They’re going to look good against teams that don’t play especially fast.
- They will struggle with elite teams that like to run.
So Thursday’s game against Houston should be interesting. The small ball bunch will be in the gym with Russell Westbrook and James Harden.
But first, they will be back at in on Wednesday to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder.