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Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Davis’ struggles continue in loss to Pacers

By Ronald Agers

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 08: JaKarr Sampson #14 of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball against Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in a NBA basketball game at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 8, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 08: JaKarr Sampson #14 of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball against Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in a NBA basketball game at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 8, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Thought it was going to LeBron James, didn’t you? Nope, this honor goes to Quinn Cook!

Going into the playoffs, we knew the Los Angeles Lakers would be missing two guards in Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley. Most knew that Avery Bradley would be sorely missed. Few (Especially the writer!) would believe that the Lakers need Rondo back A.S.A.P.

The common narrative was the guards on the bench would be the weak link on the roster. Boy, that narrative has been blown out of the water. It’s the starters. Whether it’s the combination of Danny Green, Alex Caruso and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the fact remains the starters flat out can’t shoot. This is why Quinn Cook’s performance deserves shine.

Cook was one of two players to have any success on 3-point attempts. Coming into the game, the Lakers are building new gyms with the bricks from a 23% success rate from 3 point range. Quinn Cook was one of the few exceptions in the season restart against Indiana.

Cook shot 8-14 from the field, (Including get this, 5-9 from deep!) finishing with 21 points. To put his 3 point performance in perspective, take away Cook’s contributions, the rest of the Lakers shot 8-of-30 from beyond the arc.

Here’s how Quinn Cook filled a huge gap for the Lakers offense.

https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1292236564999757824

  • The first play shows Alex Caruso driving to the basket and kicking the ball out to Cook in the right corner. Quinn Cook makes Justin Holiday pay for sagging and knocks down the 3 pointer.
  • The second play shows Cook hitting Caldwell-Pope with a pass for a lay-up. Notice his activity chasing the ball down when the shot is blocked by Myles Turner. Then he knocks down a corner shot from the other side. 
  • The third play is the reverse action of the first play. Alex Caruso drives and kicks the ball to Cook on the wing. Cook receives the pass and knocks down the shot. 

These shots have been there all season long. The starters are not hitting them which leads to bad starts that leave the Lakers playing catchup. With a 13 point first half from Quinn Cook, the Lakers went on a 25-4 run to actually capture the lead at halftime.

However, if he wants to keep getting big minutes, he will have to learn how to make entry passes and stop turning the ball over.

The honorable mention goes to Talen Horton-Tucker

THT finished the game with 10 points in 16 minutes. He shot 2-4 from the land of the extra point. This is the second double-figure game in a row for Horton-Tucker. His activity has impressed many fans and obviously his teammates. Here’s the question though. Will Vogel use him? Is he ready for playoff competition when he’s played limited minutes all season?

J.R. Smith, Dion Waiters and Markieff Morris never saw the floor.

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