If the Los Angeles Lakers role players play like this, the series is over!
Lake Show Life has already made it clear that the superstars have to dominate for the Lakers to have title chances. But if we told you that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope almost matched Jamal Murray in scoring, it’s pretty easy to figure out how this game went. But he was not alone.
The Lakers bench continues to be one of the deepest since the season restart. Even when the team overall was not playing up to standards, players from the bench had big games!
Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals didn’t change things at all.
Kentavious Caldwell Pope:
KCP can have his bad streaks. But when he is on, this team is a problem. Caldwell-Pope shot the ball very well in this game scoring 18 points (6-10 shooting! 3-5 from distance!) and has regained his 3 point stroke from the right side of the floor especially on the wing. His defense was solid and he snuck a dunk in on a Denver player too. Jamal Murray was supposed to be the guard shooting lights out. He only finished with 21.
Markieff Morris:
Rob Pelinka signed the right Morris twin. Keef scored 9 points on three shots from the land of the extra point. He was a major part of the Lakers run in the first half. He also added 2 steals, a rebound and a assist. Morris has been on fire as of late from the 3 point line. If this keeps up, the Los Angeles Lakers will be tough to beat. The options for Frank Vogel will be endless.
Kyle Kuzma:
Kuz is starting to be a budding star in his role. He has figured out that if he cuts to the basket and keeps moving, his efficiency goes up and LeBron will find him. Hence he stays on the floor. Kuz scored 11 points (5-8 shooting!) and grabbed 4 rebounds. In the upcoming games, watch Kyle’s demeanor. He’s calm and poised on the floor. He’s also found a better rhythm with Rajon Rondo. That wasn’t the case earlier this year.
Alex Caruso:
I swear if this guy could shoot. The sky is the limit for this guy. But the one thing he brings to the table is havoc for opposing backcourts. When he’s around their turnovers go up. Forget the scoring (5 points!), the intangibles are exactly what this team needs. Plus the dude vibes with LeBron James.
https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1307136393970216961
This writer tends to stay away from predictions these days (He’s the one that thought the Clippers would be here and winning!), but right now the Los Angeles Lakers have it running on all cylinders and Denver can’t stop everybody.
They sure didn’t in Game 1.
Next game is on Sunday night on TNT. Lake Show Life will have full coverage soon afterward. Enjoy the game!