Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron gets a gift in win over Spurs, 5 Lessons

SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 30 LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers hangs on the rim after dunk during first half action at AT&T Center on December 30, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 30 LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers hangs on the rim after dunk during first half action at AT&T Center on December 30, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)

Dennis Schroder passed the 20 point mark again for the Los Angeles Lakers. What’s the difference between the two games? 

Lake Show Life was all over Dennis Schroder for his play in the loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. This site boasts the most knowledgeable Lakers fans. Why? They watch the games before they discuss the aftermath in the comment section. The ones that don’t, get exposed. To get a quick understanding, go to page 4 of the link below.

On Monday, Dennis Schroder had a stat line of 24 points (Second to LeBron in scoring!), 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Only he froze out teammates trying to match Damian Lillard in the scoring column and he failed at that with horrid defense on the other end.

Fast forward to Wednesday, Dennis Schroder had a better game with almost the exact numbers in the box scores. Schroder scored 21 points (9-15 shooting! 3-5 from distance!), 4 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal. The difference? He got his numbers within the workings of the offense. Instead of just putting his head down and throwing up shots, he did this.

https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1344462354445058051

Unlike in the last game, the ball started moving again. He actually knocked down two of his three long distance shots being set up by his teammates (The other one was a buzzer beater!). This was a much more efficient game where the offense was allowed to flow as the coaching staff intended.

Now the defense is hard to analyze based on the fact that the San Antonio Spurs were virtual self-checks blowing so many layups the staff lost count (Writer got lost a 7!). But overall the Spurs had plenty of points in the paint.

Finally, if Schroder keeps handing out over four turnovers (He had 5 in this one!) or more, it might be time to start figuring out who can take care of the ball when LeBron is out of the game or playing off the ball.

When Dennis Schroder started to operate in the boundaries of the Lakers offensive scheme, a player actually had the chance to make an impact. Read on to see who that player was.