The Los Angeles Lakers continued their five-game homestand against the Memphis Grizzlies, who were without the services of their superstar Ja Morant, who was away from the team for personal issues.
The Lake Show brought back one of their own in Pau Gasol to honor him by retiring his No. 16 jersey. Congratulations to Pau Gasol from Lake Show Life on a very deserving honor.
Number 16, seven feet, from Spain. @verizon | Reliable Players: Pau Gasol pic.twitter.com/C0tR9pTmQj
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 7, 2023
The Los Angeles Lakers however had some work to do if they wanted to get back to the successes of Gasol and his running mate, the late, great Kobe Bryant.
In a very competitive game that had a ton of lead changes and ties, the Lakers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 112-103. The defense clamped Memphis as the Lakers ended the game on a 24-9 run. Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane will wake up in cold sweats thinking about that lockdown defense.
The next game is on Friday night which is good considering that D’Angelo Russell was held out again with that ankle sprain. They need him healthy and whole…NOW!
Low and behold, the Los Angeles Lakers are now in the play-in tournament… for now.
The good of the Los Angeles Lakers win:
Anthony Davis is now handing out “laminated” business cards by dominating teams!
This dude is the problem of the world today for NBA teams as of late. In 15 minutes of the first half, AD had 15 points and 10 rebounds. To put this in perspective, he missed only one shot period in the first 24 minutes. He should have had more than that (More on that later!) with the newfound aggressiveness that shows he has the ability to carry the Los Angeles Lakers franchise on his back.
He finished with 30 points, a season-high 22 rebounds and 3 assists.
Rui…Hachimura…scored…more…than…two…points!
Okay…the staff of Lake Show Life is a little disappointed and frustrated with Rui’s play as of late…
"Can we rescind that trade from the Wizards? Asking for Lakers fans that are tired of watching this dude put up 2 point games three times a week. But Wenyen Gabriel can’t get more than ten minutes a game right?"
For the first time since probably his first game in a Lakers uniform, Rui Hachimura makes this section of a post-game report. He came out aggressive taking the shots when they presented themselves to the tune of 9 points (4-6 shooting!) in the first half. The rebounding still needs work, but let’s take this one step at a time.
Hachimura finished with 17 points and 6 rebounds.
Troy Brown Jr. has been a godsend for the Los Angeles Lakers in LeBron James’ absence.
It’s not that Troy Brown Jr. produces in LeBron’s absence, but when and how…
Troy Brown Jr. 😳 pic.twitter.com/J9Qsj7Uhwx
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 8, 2023
The Los Angeles Lakers are going to have to survive without LeBron by committee and that is what Brown Jr. is doing. He hits timely shots and has been one of the more consistent players on the roster over the last few weeks.
In the last four games, Troy is shooting 13-23 from beyond the arc. His 13th came late to put the game to bed.
He finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. He is also playing outstanding team defense as well which is not in the box scores, but the Lakers desperately need it.
Jeanie Buss…
With Wednesday being International Women’s Day, Lakers fans should give praise to the first woman governor/owner to win an NBA title. She won five more as an executive and she has worked from the bottom to become the head of one of the most iconic franchises in sports.
We at Lake Show Life salute you Ms. Buss. Thank you.
The bad of the Los Angeles Lakers win:
This…
Anthony Davis started bleeding after he took a hit to the face from David Roddy. pic.twitter.com/2DrZ5tkJrT
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 8, 2023
Never mind the fact that Anthony Davis got cut up by a guy that probably has manicured fingernails just to play physical (Yes…this is really a thing some NBA players do!) and will definitely have some stitches.
But after he went to the locker room for get patched up and get a clean jersey, the Memphis Grizzlies basically had a layup line in his absence.
Anyone have the number to the Kardashian family’s plastic surgeon?
AD turned the ball over too much!
Seven turnovers are way too high for a player of his caliber.
Desmond Bane got hot!
This dude was terrible for most of three quarters shooting 0-9 from the field, but his 7 quick points led to a Memphis run that put them in the lead in the final quarter briefly.
3-point shooting for both teams!
There is no truth to the rumors that both teams donated bricks to the Los Angeles Clippers’ new arena.
The story of the Los Angeles Lakers win:
Austin Reaves is becoming a star without being a starter!
This dude is the NBA’s Billy Hoyle when he is on the court. To the young Lakers fans that are thinking about the “White Men Can’t Jump” reboot…no, this dude.
Austin Reaves is far and away the most efficient player on the roster and the best backcourt player the Los Angeles Lakers have. He missed two free throws and that is breaking news.
He finished with 17 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds.
Well…look here…he played 32 minutes! See what happens when you give the man a shot for a little while?