Los Angeles Lakers: 4 Lessons in an overtime thriller over Utah Jazz

There are a lot of Lake Show Life readers waiting to read this Los Angeles Lakers analysis!

Okay Lakers fans, let’s be real. Seriously at what time in this game did you think the Lakers would choke?

• Was it the 15-4 run to start the fourth quarter?
• How about the Lakers’ nearly seven straight minute scoring streak to blow a 13 point lead?
• Those crazy Utah 3 point shots at the end of regulation?

Bottom line, Dennis Schroder, who is playing through an infected foot and a bad back that leaves him a game-time decision probably for the rest of the season, simply would not let this team lose.

When the Lakers needed offense, Dennis knocked down three indescribably huge buckets down the stretch in a personal shootout with Jordan Clarkson to send this one to overtime.

Schroder owned the game in OT, getting into the lane to set up shooters and dunks from Andre Drummond.

Dennis Schroder has found the proper balance between setting the pace with the Los Angeles Lakers offense and creating his own shot. His game has slowed down by taking what the defense is giving him in the mid-range game.

Dennis showed why he’s the “Menace” finishing with 25 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks.

His defensive stand against Jordan Clarkson combined with his offense on the other end is exactly what the Lakers advertised when they made the Danny Green trade.

Lake Show Life ruffled the feathers of sensitive Schroder apologists a week ago…

Must read: Los Angeles Lakers: Three offseason bailout plans from Dennis Schroder

But Dennis Schroder has played a lot better since the article was posted and after the rumors of his contract situation died down.

Has he had his bumps in the road? Sure, but the Lakers wouldn’t have been able to buy time for LeBron James and Anthony Davis without this guy. With his injury problems, he could easily be in street clothes as a negotiation ploy (This just in…it would have worked!), but knowing the team desperately needs every drop of production he could give them, he’s showing guts from the Brooklyn game to this crowning moment is winning over people.

Dennis Schroder is playing his best ball of the season at the most important time for the Los Angeles Lakers. It could be debated that “The Menace” may have saved the Lake Show’s playoff chances.

Smooth pass from Schroder right there right? While Dennis closed the game out, the guy on his right had to set the table for the chance to have any theatrics. Read on to see what Kentavious Caldwell-Pope did.