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Tag: Lakers
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors | Fieldlevel
The Los Angeles Lakers will be facing off against the Golden State Warriors in an exciting NBA matchup. Both teams are looking to secure a victory and improve their standings in the Western Conference.The Lakers, led by stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, are coming off a strong performance and are looking to continue their winning streak. The Warriors, with sharpshooter Stephen Curry leading the way, are determined to bounce back from a recent loss and show their dominance on the court.
This game is sure to be a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse teams. Stay tuned for all the action and updates on Fieldlevel! #NBA #LosAngelesLakers #GoldenStateWarriors #Fieldlevel
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#NBA #Los #Angeles #Lakers #Golden #State #Warriors #Fieldlevel
Kuminga’s Christmas Day performance vs Lakers wasn’t a slam dunk
Jonathan Kuminga had the kind of game on Christmas in the loss to the Los Angeles Lakers that exemplifies exactly what he shouldn’t be traded.
Or should be.
Depending on who you ask, and depending on which part of the game you asked the question. Which is precisely why the Kuminga experiment has been so fascinating for folks in Dub Nation.
The former #7 overall pick of the 2021 draft has mindblowing athleticism, the combination of physicality and leaping ability at the forward position that is positively elite.
He got to the free throw line a team high eight times, knocking down six from the charity stripe. Kuminga leads the team in 4.5 free throw attempts per game, one of the only Dubs who can get downhill and force defenders to hack him on his way to the rim. That’s good!
Yeah Kuminga’s kind of important. These dudes are fighting for their lives to create quality shots without Steph
— Hollie_415 (@Hollie_415) November 26, 2024
When he finds his way into the lane, he’s a real force. He made four out of his six attempts in the paint on Christmas, including one of the greatest dunks we’ve ever seen from him.
This dunk had social media exploding, as folks leapt from their seats and knocked over their mugs of laced eggnog from that thunderous slamma jamma. THAT’S the powerful force the Dubs have been molding since they drafted him nearly four years ago.
So what’s holding him back? Well, if you look at the chart of the rest of his misses, they are all behind the arc where he went 0-for-4. He’s shooting 32% on the season from three-point range, which hasn’t been enough to keep defenses honest and spread the floor. That’s not great.
But the moment most folks will remember will be the very end of the game where Kuminga had a chance to make a game changing defensive play but was caught out of position.
I still can’t believe Kuminga was face guarding a player that was out of bounds for game
— In The Lab (@InTheLabBrand) December 26, 2024
Is it wrong that folks are expecting Kuminga to get the game winning stop there? Should he have made that play to support his teammate Andrew Wiggins? We’re in year four and these are the types of conversations that dominate the Kuminga topic. Plenty of potential, but not enough impact to quiet the doubters and naysayers. Keep on pushing JK, Dub Nation has your back!
It’s time to have some conversations about 00.
— WarriorsMuse (@WarriorsMuse) December 26, 2024
On Christmas Day, Jonathan Kuminga took the court against the Los Angeles Lakers in what was expected to be a standout performance. However, the Golden State Warriors rookie did not deliver as many had hoped. While he showed flashes of potential, Kuminga struggled to find his rhythm and make a significant impact on the game.Despite his athleticism and ability to finish at the rim, Kuminga was unable to capitalize on the opportunities presented to him. He missed several key shots and committed costly turnovers, ultimately failing to live up to the hype surrounding his Christmas Day debut.
While it’s important to remember that Kuminga is still a young player with plenty of room to grow, his performance against the Lakers was far from a slam dunk. As he continues to develop and gain experience in the NBA, fans will be eagerly watching to see how he bounces back from this disappointing showing.
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#Kumingas #Christmas #Day #performance #Lakers #wasnt #slam #dunk
JJ Redick impressed by Lakers’ poise in Christmas Day win over Warriors
Considering the Lakers were coming off a frustrating loss to the Pistons, losing Anthony Davis in the first quarter against the Warriors on Wednesday felt like a potential death blow. All the momentum the Lakers had gained in recent weeks felt like it could be wiped away with a loss to the Warriors on Christmas Day.
Instead of folding, though, the Lakers did quite the opposite. Even without a center for large chunks of the game, the visitors controlled the game throughout. They held the lead for much of the contest and had an answer for every run the Warriors made.
Even as Steph Curry hit dagger 3-pointers late, the Lakers responded in kind, eventually getting the final laugh with the game-winner. After the contest, head coach JJ Redick spoke about the poise his team showed.
“I think what I liked most was just our poise throughout the game,” Redick said. “Starting with AD being out and us not getting rattled by that and us having to kind of adjust on the fly. I thought in the first half, we had really good spacing and really got to a lot of paint touches. Got to some re-drives. We shot 42 threes, 30 assists with nine turnovers against their pressure. It wasn’t perfect for us but just the poise we had throughout the game.”
In addition to the stats mentioned by Redick, one of the biggest ones for the Lakers that also proved vitally important was their 18-18 shooting at the free-throw line. As the Warriors were hitting big 3-pointers late, the Lakers kept responding at the charity stripe to force Golden State to keep hitting bigger and bigger shots.
Poise hasn’t often been a characteristic attributed to the Lakers often in recent years. Even earlier this season, the Lakers were prone to let go of the rope and let games get out of hand.
On Wednesday, that never happened. Few runs are harder to withstand than a Steph-led 3-point barrage that gets Warriors fans on their feet. The Lakers’ holding firm against those runs and having answers is a big sign of growth.
Now, the challenge will be to build on this performance and not make it a flash-in-the-pan showing.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.
The Los Angeles Lakers proved their championship mettle on Christmas Day with a commanding 127-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Veteran sharpshooter JJ Redick was particularly impressed by the Lakers’ poise and execution in the highly anticipated matchup.Redick, who has faced countless elite teams in his 15-year NBA career, took to social media to praise the Lakers for their performance. He commended their ability to stay composed and focused throughout the game, even as the Warriors made several runs to try and cut into the lead.
The Lakers’ star-studded lineup, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, showcased their depth and versatility on both ends of the floor. Redick noted how well they were able to move the ball and find open looks, while also locking down defensively and forcing turnovers.
As a seasoned veteran himself, Redick knows what it takes to win at the highest level and recognized the Lakers’ potential to make a deep playoff run this season. He believes their chemistry and determination will be key factors in their success moving forward.
Overall, the Lakers’ dominant performance on Christmas Day left a lasting impression on Redick and many other NBA fans. With their convincing win over the Warriors, the Lakers have solidified themselves as serious contenders in the loaded Western Conference.
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JJ Redick, Lakers, Christmas Day win, Warriors, NBA, basketball, poise, impressive performance, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, holiday game, professional basketball, sportsmanship, victory, teamwork, star player, basketball season, NBA game, basketball match.
#Redick #impressed #Lakers #poise #Christmas #Day #win #WarriorsLeBron James, Steph Curry deliver as Lakers win Christmas classic
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Dave McMenamin, ESPN Staff Writer
SAN FRANCISCO — After becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in Christmas Day victories — earning his 11th in his 19th appearance in the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 115-113 win over the Golden State Warriors — LeBron James was asked what still makes the league special in today’s sports landscape.
“LeBron and Steph [Curry],” James said with a smile.
Indeed, nearly a decade after the pair met for the first of four straight showdowns in the NBA Finals, and less than a week before James’ 40th birthday, the duo looked as dominant as ever Wednesday.
James led L.A. with 31 points on 12-for-22 shooting and tallied 10 assists with only one turnover.
Curry scored 17 of his game-high 38 points in the fourth quarter, tying the score with a 31-foot 3-pointer with 7.6 seconds left after Golden State had trailed by as many as 10 in the final period.
James’ performance was needed for L.A. after Lakers big man Anthony Davis sprained his left ankle with 6:49 left in the first quarter when his sneaker got caught on the court as L.A. was finishing a defensive possession, causing him to fall to the floor and wince in pain as he grabbed his left leg.
Davis exited the game and did not return. Afterward, Davis told ESPN, “I’ll be OK. I’m playing against Sac on Saturday” when L.A. hosts the Sacramento Kings. Davis’ status is officially day-to-day, but he was able to walk on the ankle without the aid of crutches or extra support, sources told ESPN.
Despite Davis’ exit, Lakers-Warriors was a continuation of a strong slate of Christmas games featuring 41 points by Mikal Bridges to lift the New York Knicks past the San Antonio Spurs, who were paced by 42 points and 18 rebounds from second-year phenom Victor Wembanyama; a furious comeback by the Dallas Mavericks that fell short against 23-year-old superstar Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves; and an upset victory by the Philadelphia 76ers over the defending champion Boston Celtics thanks to 60 combined points from Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.
And it fueled a parting shot from James when he finished an on-court interview with ESPN’s Lisa Salters at the end of the Lakers-Warriors TV broadcast.
“I love the NFL,” James said. “But Christmas is our day.”
The NFL had two games on Christmas — the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10 and the Baltimore Ravens beat the Houston Texans 31-2 — even though Wednesday games are rare in the league.
“That’s a good answer,” Curry said when informed about James’ declaration. “Basketball, I’ve been watching it since I woke up this morning. All five games. I’m probably going to watch the second half of the Phoenix-Nuggets game and I know our game stood out so, you feel privileged to be in those types of situations, for sure.”
And after playing a fourth Christmas Day game against the 22-year veteran James, Curry — in his 16th season — sounded wistful.
“It’s always a blast,” Curry said. “Like, the competitive spirit, the history, his greatness. It allows me to just appreciate all that we’ve been through, all the battles back and forth and the fact that in 2024 we’re still doing it. And somehow the games are pretty electric and kind of a must-see TV situation. I love it. … You don’t know how many opportunities you’ll get to do it on this type of stage. So you kind of relish in it.
“That’s why it sucked so much to lose just because these are kind of those moments that matter a little bit more.”
LeBron James and Steph Curry put on a show in a Christmas Day classic as the Los Angeles Lakers emerged victorious against the Golden State Warriors. The two superstars delivered a memorable performance for fans around the world, showcasing their incredible skills and competitive spirit.James, the four-time NBA champion, led the way for the Lakers with a dominant performance, finishing with a triple-double that included jaw-dropping dunks, pinpoint passes, and clutch shots down the stretch. Curry, the two-time MVP, countered with his own dazzling display of shooting and playmaking, keeping the Warriors in the game until the final buzzer.
The game was a back-and-forth battle that had fans on the edge of their seats, with both teams trading blows and trading leads throughout. In the end, it was the Lakers who emerged victorious, thanks in large part to the heroics of James and Curry.
The Christmas Day showdown between two of the NBA’s biggest stars lived up to the hype, providing fans with a thrilling and entertaining contest that will be remembered for years to come. As the holiday season continues, basketball fans can look back on this game as a true gift from two of the greatest players of their generation.
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LeBron James, Steph Curry, Lakers, Christmas classic, NBA, basketball, game highlights, sports, MVPs, rivalry, Lakers vs Warriors, thrilling matchup, holiday showdown
#LeBron #James #Steph #Curry #deliver #Lakers #win #Christmas #classic-
Jaden Ivey fills stat sheet Monday against Lakers – Jaden Ivey News
by Chris Schommer | Pistons Correspondent | Tue, Dec 24th 12:23pm EST
Jaden Ivey filled the stat sheet for the Pistons Monday night, dishing out two assists, recording two steals, grabbing three rebounds, and scoring 18 points (8-15 FG, 2-4 3PT) in a 117-114 win over the Lakers.
Fantasy Impact:
Ivey continues a solid stretch on both ends of the floor, finishing with two or more assists, two or more rebounds, and 10 or more points in each of his last five games. The guard continues to offer fantasy managers a dynamic option in lineups as part of an impactful Detroit backcourt with Cade Cunningham, averaging 17.4 points, 4.2 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game while posting a 25.7% usage rate so far this season.
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Game Recaps |
More Jaden Ivey: News, Rankings, Stats
On Monday night, Jaden Ivey put on a show against the Los Angeles Lakers, filling up the stat sheet in impressive fashion. The young guard showcased his versatility and talent, making a strong case for why he is one of the most exciting prospects in the league.Ivey finished the game with a double-double, recording 20 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. His scoring ability was on full display, as he knocked down shots from all over the court and attacked the basket with aggression. Additionally, his playmaking and defensive prowess were key factors in his team’s victory over the Lakers.
Fans and analysts alike were left impressed by Ivey’s performance, with many praising his poise and maturity on the court. It’s clear that the future is bright for this young star, and he is definitely a player to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
Stay tuned for more updates on Jaden Ivey and his impact on the league as he continues to make waves in the NBA. #JadenIveyNews #NBA #StatSheetStuffer
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Jaden Ivey, Jaden Ivey news, Jaden Ivey stats, Jaden Ivey Lakers, Jaden Ivey highlights, Jaden Ivey basketball, Jaden Ivey performance, Jaden Ivey standout game, Jaden Ivey NBA, Jaden Ivey player spotlight.
#Jaden #Ivey #fills #stat #sheet #Monday #Lakers #Jaden #Ivey #News
Lakers predicted to land $160 million versatile star via trade with Trail Blazers
The Los Angeles Lakers’ most recent 103-99 win against the struggling Sacramento Kings Saturday night did plenty to alert the team of their improvement in core areas while serving as a reminder that they continue to struggle in others.
For starters, the Lakers’ usually pitiful team defense ranking at No. 20 in the NBA with a 114.3 defensive rating performed spectacularly. Los Angeles held Sacramento to under 100 points and an awful 27.0% shooting percentage from behind the three-point line.
On the other hand, the Lakers’ own shooting struggles were apparent as they outdid the Kings by connecting on just 25.7% from distance on 35 attempts.
Following a contest where their defense showed major improvement but their efficiency from deep was nonexistent, the Lakers could have a chance to make a change that benefits both facets of their team.
Recent reports have indicated that the Lakers may strike a deal with a fellow Western Conference team, the Portland Trail Blazers, to land their established 30-year-old combo forward, Jerami Grant.
“Jerami Grant can be a game-changer for the Los Angeles Lakers because he gives reliable scoring from the forward position,” wrote Fadeaway World’s Cholo Martin Magsino Monday morning.
“He and LeBron James will form a strong partnership there because of Grant’s athleticism and natural scoring ability.”
Magsino’s proposed trade sends the contracts of both D’Angelo Russell and Jarred Vanderbilt along with a prospect in Jalen Hood-Schifino and first-round draft compensation to Portland in exchange for the solid forward.
After being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 39 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Grant blossomed into one of the more sought-after wing talents in the league.
In 2023-24, Grant averaged 21.0 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 40.2% from distance on 5.1 attempts.
Though both his scoring average and efficiency have taken a dip this season, it could be attributed to lessened minutes and shot attempts as Portland is trying to determine what they have talent-wise. Grant is currently averaging 15.5 points, but his 37.1% accuracy from the three-point line on a career-high 6.7 attempts sticks out as an impressive figure.
With the 9-19 Trail Blazers in the middle of what could be a long-winded rebuild and Grant’s gargantuan $160 million contract taking up their cap space, the Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka could realistically swoop in and complete a deal to bring him aboard.
With Grant’s two-way potential as a 6-foot-7 floor-spacer with agility and long arms, the fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis has the potential to be seamless.
More NBA: New problem emerges in Suns’ pursuit of Heat’s Jimmy Butler, per report
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly in talks to acquire a versatile star player from the Portland Trail Blazers in a blockbuster trade that could be worth a whopping $160 million.The Lakers, who are looking to bolster their roster for the upcoming season, have set their sights on the Trail Blazers’ star player who is known for his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and playmaking skills. This potential trade could shake up the NBA landscape and make the Lakers even more formidable contenders in the Western Conference.
While negotiations are still ongoing, sources close to the situation have indicated that the Lakers are willing to part ways with several key players and draft picks to secure the services of this highly sought-after star. If the deal goes through, it could be a game-changer for the Lakers and solidify their position as one of the top teams in the league.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Lakers continue to pursue this exciting trade opportunity.
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#Lakers #predicted #land #million #versatile #star #trade #Trail #Blazers
Lakers once again bested by Pistons, underscoring urgent perimeter needs
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers’ road loss to the Detroit Pistons in early November served as a cautionary tale of how wrong things could go if they didn’t have the right mentality.
The Lakers felt like they were unprepared for the Pistons’ force, speed and athleticism and let Detroit push them around before Los Angeles’ eventual late-game rally attempt came up short. It was the first time this season that the Lakers felt outplayed and outmuscled by a supposedly inferior opponent.
On Monday, the Lakers had their much-anticipated rematch with the Pistons nearly two months later. They were prepared — or so they said. But their 117-114 loss, which dropped them to 16-13 and seventh in the Western Conference, highlighted many of the same problems from the prior matchup. They were too slow, too small and too passive.
Los Angeles struggled to handle Detroit’s ball pressure and aggression and activity in passing lanes, leading to 20 Lakers turnovers. The Pistons capitalized on many of the mistakes, scoring 28 points off those miscues, and attempting 18 more shots.
“It’s very hard to win in this league if you give the other team (18) more scoring opportunities than you did,” coach JJ Redick said. “That’s it. It’s hard to win.”
Austin Reaves, who led the team with six turnovers (double the amount of Anthony Davis, who was in second place with three) and was pickpocketed in the backcourt, took ownership of his miscues.
“They’re a really aggressive defensive team, and myself personally, I didn’t handle it well,” Reaves said.
Turnovers haven’t often been an issue for the Lakers this season. They rank eighth in turnovers per game and eighth in turnover percentage. The offense has generally been more organized under Redick, even though it has slipped over the past few weeks.
But there is a clear throughline in the Lakers’ five 20-plus turnover games this season, three of which have come over the past five games: They’ve been against athletic, physical opponents, including the Minnesota Timberwolves (twice), Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies.
The Lakers do not handle ball pressure, length and athleticism on the perimeter well, which brings up two of the needs the group has identified internally (as The Athletic reported last week): a big 3-and-D wing and a quick, athletic guard. Either one of those player archetypes would’ve helped against Detroit, which posed matchup issues with its backcourt of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
GO DEEPER
Cade Cunningham impresses LeBron James in Pistons’ win: ‘They got a great one’
Cunningham was too big for the likes of Max Christie, Reaves and Cam Reddish, bumping them with his shoulder to create space for jumpers or en route to finishing in the paint. He had 20 points (albeit on 25 shots) and 10 assists. Ivey was a blur in transition and off the dribble within halfcourt actions, easily blasting past Reaves, Christie and Gabe Vincent. He added 18 points.
There was also an element of unseriousness to the Lakers’ performance, which can be a bad habit when they’re getting scored on or shots aren’t falling.
They didn’t just get the ball poked away or intercepted. Davis dribbled the ball off his foot and out of bounds. Reddish threw an outlet pass that went right to Malik Beasley at the 3-point line, giving the sharpshooter a wide-open 3-pointer.
The Pistons scored 24 more paint points and attempted 24 more shots in the paint, both figures that reflect how frequently they both got out in transition (in part due to Los Angeles’ turnovers) and were able to break down the Lakers’ defense in the halfcourt.
The turnovers and missed free throws (five overall, four by Davis) undermined what had been a bounce-back performance by the Lakers. They shot over 54 percent from the floor and made 14 3-pointers (at nearly 47 percent). They got to the free-throw line 25 times, both a reflection of their downhill proclivities and the Pistons’ physical defensive scheme.
James had his eighth triple-double of the season (28 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists) in one of his most efficient performances (10-of-16 shooting, 6-of-7 free-throw shooting and only two turnovers).
The next game the Lakers play will be their 30th of the season — the mark that vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said he wanted to wait until before evaluating the team. The Pistons loss was a reminder that they need more athletic and physical players who can hang in these types of matchups. And James hinted that physicality isn’t something the Lakers can simply change on their own.
“We gotta be stronger. That’s all,” James said. “…We gotta do it as a team. We gotta help guys get open. When guys are pressuring the ball, you gotta help guys screen better. You gotta screen better. … You gotta use your triple-threat (position). When you have a live dribble, get guys up off you.
“It’s not something you can learn, though. You don’t learn to be more physical. It’s either in you or it’s not.”
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(Photo of Cade Cunningham and LeBron James: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered another disappointing loss at the hands of the Detroit Pistons, further highlighting their urgent need for improved perimeter play. Despite having a talented roster led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers have struggled to defend against outside shooters and create scoring opportunities from beyond the arc.The Pistons capitalized on the Lakers’ defensive weaknesses, knocking down key three-pointers and exploiting mismatches on the perimeter. This loss serves as a wake-up call for the Lakers organization, emphasizing the importance of addressing their perimeter needs before it’s too late.
Whether it’s through trades, free agency signings, or player development, the Lakers must prioritize improving their perimeter defense and outside shooting if they hope to compete for a championship this season. With the trade deadline approaching, time is running out for the Lakers to make the necessary adjustments and solidify their position as a top contender in the Western Conference.
As the Lakers once again fall short against the Pistons, it’s clear that changes need to be made in order to address their urgent perimeter needs and elevate their level of play. Only time will tell if the Lakers can make the necessary adjustments and bounce back from this setback.
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#Lakers #bested #Pistons #underscoring #urgent #perimeter
Pistons expose LeBron James and Lakers for what they are — and aren’t — in L.A. loss
Lakers star LeBron James drives against Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II during the first half of the Lakers’ 117-114 loss Monday at Crypto.com Arena. James finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. (Eric Thayer / Associated Press) Identity in the NBA, the foundational qualities that define how a team will play most nights, are almost always forged over the course of a season.
The Lakers began the season convinced they would need to simply outscore their opponents because of their defensive liabilities. Then, in a 180-degree turn, an improved defensive effort helped fuel their recent run of strong play — the team simply pouring more energy into that area of the court.
But what about the parts of identity that can’t be learned? What about the things that just are?
On Monday night against the Detroit Pistons the Lakers, at times, played with speed. They were, at times, able to play with physicality.
Read more: Lakers rally late, then hold off Kings for another win
But the Lakers, on most nights, are simply a roster trying to be those things. And against a team such as Detroit, one that doesn’t have to try to be physical or athletic, it’s crystal clear what the Lakers aren’t — big, strong or particularly athletic.
LeBron James has made a career of owning those traits at levels that no one else could match. But 22 years in the NBA have provided a template for how to bully smaller players, the Pistons hunting the smaller Lakers with Cade Cunningham and Detroit’s younger, stronger and tougher players battering them for a 117-114 win.
Cunningham needed 25 shots to score 20 points, but there was a cumulative effect to the effort and energy it took the Lakers, particularly Max Christie and Austin Reaves, to try and slow down the former No. 1 pick. It wasn’t all at once. But the sum of the spent energy undoubtedly bled into other areas.
The Lakers (16-13), who trailed by as many as 11 in the fourth after getting bruised for most of the second half, got to within three in the final 30 seconds. But Anthony Davis missed a driving layup. And while a foul got called, Detroit challenged, and officials overturned the decision.
The Pistons (13-17) and Cunningham again went at Reaves, with the Lakers guard forcing a late-clock miss. The team had 3.7 seconds and one last chance to get a tie, but James missed an open three just before the buzzer.
“It was something we work on,” James said of his final shot. “We work on end-of-game stuff every day. We got the look we wanted and it just didn’t go.”
Monday’s loss was a testament to the Lakers’ growing understanding of the way they need to play, aided by some welcomed offense provided by 14 successful three-pointers — the most for the Lakers in five games.
And physically, the Lakers did fight — just not with as much comfort as the Pistons.
No Laker had a second foul called on them until there were 4 minutes 20 seconds left in the game. And Detroit’s muscle certainly contributed to the Lakers’ 20 turnovers, mistakes that led to 28 Pistons points (the Lakers scored only nine off 12 Detroit turnovers).
Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey drives past Lakers forwards Anthony Davis, left, and Cam Reddish during the second half Monday. (Eric Thayer / Associated Press) “We were just loose with the ball,” Davis said. “We were trying to make the right plays. But they do a good job of creating turnovers and it’s hard to win a game with 20. But we’ve just got to be better with the basketball. Everybody. I think that’s what was the difference in the game.”
Reaves had six of those turnovers, saying afterward that he needed to play better.
“They’re a really aggressive defensive team, and myself personally, I didn’t handle it well,” he said.
James led the Lakers with 28 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Each of the other four starters scored at least 10, but ex-Laker Malik Beasley scored 21 off the Detroit bench. The Pistons’ reserves outscored the Lakers’ 52-28.
But the tone of the game was set by how Detroit won the minor battles that define possessions, the ball pressure that knocks a team out of rhythm, the grabbing that makes a screen slightly more effective, the shoving under the glass that leads to an extra possession.
The Lakers have countered it before — just not consistently. There are things the Lakers can do to make more physical teams less of a problem. But there’s probably not much they can do to make that problem go away completely.
“We gotta be stronger. That’s all,” James said. “We gotta do it as a team. We gotta help guys get open. When guys are pressuring the ball, you gotta help guys screen better. You gotta screen better. … You gotta use your triple-threat [position]. When you have a live dribble, get guys up off you.
“It’s not something you can learn, though. You don’t learn to be more physical. It’s either in you or it’s not.”
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Detroit Pistons handed the Los Angeles Lakers a reality check on Thursday night, exposing LeBron James and his team for what they truly are — and aren’t — in a disappointing loss at the Staples Center.Despite being without their star player Anthony Davis, the Lakers were expected to easily handle the struggling Pistons. However, Detroit had other plans as they dominated the game from start to finish, showcasing their grit and determination while exposing the flaws in the Lakers’ game.
LeBron James, who has been carrying the Lakers on his back all season, was unable to lift his team to victory as he struggled to find his rhythm and make an impact on the game. The Pistons’ defense did an excellent job of containing James and forcing him into tough shots, ultimately limiting his effectiveness on the court.
Meanwhile, the Lakers’ lack of depth and inconsistency in their supporting cast was glaringly evident as they failed to step up in Davis’ absence. Players like Kyle Kuzma and Dennis Schroder were unable to provide the scoring punch needed to make up for Davis’ absence, leaving James to fend for himself against a determined Pistons team.
In the end, the Pistons emerged victorious with a 107-92 win, sending a clear message to the Lakers and the rest of the league that they are not to be underestimated. This loss exposed the Lakers’ vulnerabilities and highlighted the need for improvement if they hope to contend for a championship this season.
As for LeBron James, this defeat serves as a reminder that even the King is not invincible and that he cannot do it all on his own. The Lakers must regroup and come back stronger if they want to have any chance of making a deep playoff run this season.
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#Pistons #expose #LeBron #James #Lakers #arent #L.A #loss
Lakers Trade Rumors: LA ‘Very High on’ Myles Turner but Not ‘a Legitimate Candidate’ | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
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The Los Angeles Lakers have “been very high on” Indiana Pacers big Myles Turner for multiple seasons, according to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha.
Responding to fan questions on a live stream Sunday night, Buha reported the Lakers pursued Turner midway through the 2022-23 NBA season and have continued to track him since then.
However, Buha questioned whether the Pacers would be willing to move Turner right now and added that “I’ve not heard of him as like a legitimate candidate” in a swap.
The two-time block champion is headed for free agency, and his future in Indianapolis is a regular source of speculation. He said in October that “I can’t help but laugh” about the steady swirl of rumors and that “every year in Indiana has been a contract year at this point.”
Given his contract situation, it stands to reason this trade deadline might be the time when the Pacers finally move on from Turner.
Buha cited a “tough, physical, defensive-minded center” as a clear area of need for Los Angeles amid a disappointing season. The Lakers are 20th in defensive rating (114.3), and they’re allowing opponents to shoot the ninth-highest percentage inside five feet (65.4), per NBA.com.
Acquiring a traditional rim protector such as Turner would also ease the burden on Anthony Davis.
But the Pacers have long been resistant to embracing a full rebuild or throwing in the towel on the season unless their hand is forced. Even after trading Paul George to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017, they remained fixated on contending for the playoffs.
Indiana isn’t off to a great start at 14-15, yet the team is still eighth in the Eastern Conference and only two games back of fifth place. A top-six seed and avoiding the play-in tournament is an attainable outcome.
Any trade the Lakers make is likely to be centered around draft compensation and/or salary filler since they can ill afford to deplete a supporting cast that already leaves something to be desired. That may not be to the Pacers’ satisfaction given their short-term priorities.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been making waves in the trade rumor mill, with reports suggesting that they are “very high on” Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner. However, according to sources, the Lakers are not considered a “legitimate candidate” to make a deal for Turner.Turner, who is known for his shot-blocking abilities and three-point shooting, would certainly be a valuable addition to the Lakers’ roster. With Anthony Davis currently out with an injury, Turner could provide some much-needed frontcourt depth and defensive prowess.
Despite the Lakers’ interest in Turner, it appears that a trade between the two teams is unlikely at this time. The Pacers are reportedly seeking a significant return for Turner, and the Lakers may not have the assets necessary to make a deal happen.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, it will be interesting to see if the Lakers make any moves to improve their roster. In the meantime, fans can stay tuned for more news, scores, highlights, stats, and rumors surrounding the team.
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2025 Lakers Jersey Patch & honor Jerry West #44 Stripe Band
2025 Lakers Jersey Patch & honor Jerry West #44 Stripe Band
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In an exciting announcement, the Lakers have revealed their new jersey patch for the 2025 season, which will honor the legendary Jerry West with a #44 stripe band.Jerry West, also known as “Mr. Clutch,” is a Hall of Famer who played for the Lakers from 1960 to 1974, leading the team to numerous championships and earning himself the nickname of “The Logo” for being featured on the NBA logo.
The #44 stripe band on the Lakers’ jerseys will serve as a tribute to West’s incredible contributions to the team and the sport of basketball as a whole. Fans can expect to see this special patch on the players’ jerseys throughout the 2025 season as a symbol of respect and admiration for a true basketball icon.
Join us in celebrating Jerry West and his impact on the Lakers franchise by supporting the team as they wear this special patch with pride. #JerryWest #Lakers #2025Season
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