Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Lessons in an AD-led shocker over Phoenix

May 9, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) goes up for a shot in front of Phoenix Suns forward Frank Kaminsky (8) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) goes up for a shot in front of Phoenix Suns forward Frank Kaminsky (8) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 4
Los Angeles Lakers
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers, ESPECIALLY Andre Drummond, foul way too much!

The only real reason that this game was close was the Lakers sponsored a Phoenix Suns parade to the free throw line. They shot 21-25 from the charity stripe. The biggest culprit?

Andre Drummond!

For the second straight night, Drummond allowed himself to get in foul trouble that eliminated his effectiveness in the game. For the second straight night, he only finished with two field goals. Please enjoy one of those here.

What made this issue not as imposing was Suns center, Deandre Ayton fouling just as much (If not more!) as Andre. Sure he had 10 rebounds in the game, but this is an ongoing problem that needs to be addressed.

Social media is starting to catch up to Lake Show Life’s analysis of Andre Drummond.

But it’s the type of fouls, the Lakers are collecting that are concerning. It was obvious that Phoenix (Particularly Paul and Booker!) was putting Los Angeles in positions to commit cheap fouls. As well as Alex Caruso played, he finished with 5 fouls. Andre Drummond had four. Marc Gasol finished with five.

The quality of the NBA officials has been discussed all year on this site. It has not been good. It wasn’t good last night. If the Lakers finish in the play-in tournament, foul trouble on the wrong  Lakers players and hot shooting from the opposition could end the season early for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Frank Vogel has been a lightning rod of criticism for the Lake Show Life Lessons staff and it’s readers. But he reminded the NBA world of how good a defensive coach he really is. Read on to see what we are talking about!