The Lakers are currently looking like a team that has the potential to be even better than they were last year. They defeated the Mavericks 138-113 in Staples Center last night. This was the Lakers’ first win of the 2020-21 season. LA now improves to 1-1 on the young season.
The Lakers’ next game is against the young and the up-and-coming Timberwolves in Staples Center on Sunday. Before we get to that, let’s take a look at some of the Lakers’ keys to success in taking down the Mavericks.
Anthony Davis played like a man among boys
Anthony Davis played like he is capable of playing against the Dallas Mavericks. He was not hesitant at all. Davis was on the attack the entire game and it showed in his performance. Davis finished the game with 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. He shot 10 of 16 from the field which is good for a 63% field goal percentage. He also shot 3 of 5 from three-point range as well. After his performance and his teammates’ performance Davis had a simple quote.
“Damn, we have a really good team,” he said.
Sometimes things are just this simple. Davis is playing at the top of his game since last season. He is coming off an NBA championship. His confidence is extremely high and so is the confidence of his teammates. The sky is truly the limit for Davis and the Lakers.
Dennis Schroder and Montrezl Harrell combine for 40 points in Lakers win
Harrell played an excellent game last night. Coming off of the bench he showed why he won the NBA’s 2019-2020 Sixth Man of The Year. Harrell finished with 22 points on 10 of 13 shooting from the field. He also pulled down 7 rebounds. Harrell gives the Lakers a dynamic off the bench that they did not quite have last year. He brings that constant energy and a certain intimidation factor off of the bench that wasn’t there last season. Not to say the Lakers’ bench did not produce last year. They did come to play and players stepped up big during Playoff time. However, adding Harrell to the fold has been a blessing and will pay huge dividends for the Lakers as the season progresses.
Schroder finished the game with 18 points on 7 of 11 shooting from the field. Schroder also finished the game with 5 assists. Being able to handle the ball as a true point guard and playing off the ball works well for Schroder. He is playing well next to LeBron James because James handles most of the point guard duties for the Lakers. The luxury the Lakers have is they can have players that can be interchangeable. Dennis can handle some of the playmaking duties along with LeBron. Look for Schroder to truly thrive as the season progresses forward.
LeBron James becomes the 2nd leading scorer in NBA Christmas Day history
James finished the game with 22 points on 8 of 18 shooting. He also finished the game with 7 rebounds and 10 assists. James realizes this team’s potential and that his workload may not be as much as it has been in the past for him. He seems excited about it as well because he sees the promise this team has.
“We have the ability to where we can have four, maybe five guys on the floor that can score in the 20’s any given night,” James said. “As long as we defend and are efficient, it’s a beautiful thing to see.”
James also achieved yet another milestone of the many he has in his 18 year NBA career. He became the 2nd leading scorer in Christmas Day history. He is behind only the late, great Kobe Bean Bryant as far as Christmas Day scoring.
The Lakers officially have their first win of the season. They are looking to get their second win at Staples Center on Sunday against the Timberwolves. At 10 pm Eastern, 7 pm Pacific on NBATV.
