Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Davis smokes Phoenix Suns, 3 Lessons

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope deserves to be in the starting lineup. Anyone that disagrees didn’t watch this game!

Dennis Schroder had a polite statement clarifying his desire to be in the starting lineup. He stated that he didn’t want to take anything from LeBron James.

"“LeBron has been doing this for 17 years. End of the day, I’m not trying to take anything from him.”"

Well, that’s nice for him to feel that way, because he doesn’t need to start. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope barring something crazy happening will be in the Lakers’ starting lineup. If this game didn’t send a message, nothing will.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope:

While the rest of his teammates were sleepwalking on both ends of the floor in the first half, KCP was the most efficient player on the floor for the Lakers (Yes, that includes AD too!). While LeBron and AD were trading missed free throws early, it was KCP knocking down 3 point shots to save the Lakers from total embarrassment.

Caldwell-Pope finished the preseason the same way he finished the NBA Finals hitting timely shots to the tune of 15 points (5-8 shooting 2-3 in 3 point shots!).

Talen Horton-Tucker:

He’s not going to start, but Talen Horton-Tucker needs minutes coming off the bench. The Lakers keep putting the ball in Horton-Tucker’s hands and he makes things happen when he gets it. For the second straight game, he carved up the Suns defense with pick-and-rolls plays to Montrezl Harrell and Devontae Cacok down the stretch while playing a strong floor game.

THT filled up the box scores again scoring 12 points (5-8 shooting while hitting two 3 point shots!), and collecting 2 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal.

This is why the man needs minutes.

With evidence of THT’s pick and roll understanding in play look at this play right here.

• He runs Mikal Bridges into a pick executed by Markieff Morris. Notice he is not in a rush so Morris doesn’t pick up an offensive foul for a moving screen.
• He splits Jae Crowder with a crossover dribble. 
• Then he challenges Deandre Ayton, a shot-blocker, absorbs the contact (Oh he was fouled too!) and finishes the shot.  

Whether he gets 10-15 minutes or 40, the Lakers are going to get maximum effort from THT. He plays hard and smart. He’s getting better with every game.

Kyle Kuzma: 

This series is done trying to figure this guy out. It’s either going to be “Good Kuz” or “Bad Kuz”.

The good thing about this game is that Kyle Kuzma showed the Lakers fanbase and Frank Vogel his tendencies. This year, Frank Vogel won’t give the Lakers Nation a chance to get frustrated. This team now has options and can bench him.

In this game, that’s just what happened. Vogel inserted Wesley Matthews in the second half. Strangely enough, the Suns (Particularly Devin Booker) had trouble scoring and the Lakers got rolling.

Kyle Kuzma’s defense will be his downfall. Devin Booker cooked him for most of the first half. Watching Kuz lag behind him and not fighting through screens will give the coaching staff all the evidence they need for those 12 minute nights.

Oh, by the way, he scored 4 points on 2-9 shooting.

Anybody ready for Los Angeles Lakers games next week when it counts?

That wraps up the preseason version of Lake Show Life Lessons! Don’t worry, it does not go away. Lake Show Life will be extending it’s post-game coverage this season! There will be a short post-game report shortly after the game in addition to the extended post-game of Lake Show Life Lessons! 

More championship coverage for championship fans.