The start of this game had all the hallmarks of a game in Milwaukee in the middle of a road trip in November. The Lakers entered the game with Quentin Grimes (sprained right toe) as the only player unavailable, but left him with Luka Dončić sprained his ankle, Austin Reaves sprained his left heel and Collin Sexton bloodied after an incidental headbutt with Ryan Rollins. Despite the start and injuries, Los Angeles took care of business and is riding a six-game winning streak as Phoenix closes out its first extended road trip of the season. So, let’s delve into victory. As always, ratings are based on each player’s expectations. A “B” grade represents that player’s average performance. 21 minutes, 0 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 0-4 field goals, +14 The score didn’t treat LaRavia the best in this game, but his impact continues to defy statistical counting. Fifty-fifty balls, defense, running in transition, all factors for the Lakers to have a plus-14 while LaRavia was on the court. 29 minutes, 10 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 steal, 4 fouls, 5-10 field goals, +19 I thought Kessler started this game too passive around the rim defensively and set the tone for the rest of his game. However, he once again served as a crucial conduit between the Lakers’ offensive and defensive production. 23 minutes, 8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 turnovers, 3-6 field goals, 2-4 3PT, +4. It took Thybulle half a half to really make his impact felt, but he continues to be a consistent producer on both sides of the ball. Steals, deflections and three-pointers have defined his impact this season and it was the same tonight. 32 minutes, 32 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 turnovers, 3 steals, 10-25 field goals, 5-12 3PT, 7-10 FT, +21Luka has nine consecutive games with 30 points, but he sprained his ankle with about four minutes left in the game and the Lakers led by 20. Dončić was good, again, but he started this game with a questionable shooting diet and committed some terrible turnovers. Of course, you take the good with the bad, but Dončić’s start to the game prevented it from being another great all-around game. 25 minutes, 18 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 turnover, 6-10 FG, 1-3 3PT, 5-5 FT, +23 Before leaving the game with his injury, Reaves was the yin to Dončić’s yang, providing the Lakers with balance, a diet of steady shooting, and conservative ballhandling. If not for the injury, Reaves was on pace for another efficient 20+ point outing. 26 minutes, 23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 9-15 field goals, 5-8 3PT, +21Mamu is putting together some of the best games of his tenure with the Lakers. His connectivity was on display tonight, draining threes and seemingly switching everyone on defense. His ability to relieve stress both in transition and in the half court on offense remains invaluable. If Reaves or Dončić miss time, having someone like Mamu is a luxury. 20 minutes, 9 points, 5 assists, 2 steals, 4-5 field goals, 1-1 3PT, +11 Speaking of continued production, Williams continued to be a consistent bench player tonight. Their defensive intensity, especially when Tyler Herro sparked a fight, is an important aspect in keeping an otherwise below-average group afloat. It also helps when he makes his three-pointers. 13 minutes, 10 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound, 1 turnover, 1 steal, 4-8 field goals, 0-3 3PT, 2-2 FT, +1 It’s been an up-and-down season for Sexton so far, but he continues to show better poise handling the ball in the minutes without Luka. However, he still feels like he’s using too much when sharing the court with Reaves. 13 minutes, 0 points, 2 rebounds, 2 turnovers, 0-3 3PT, -13 This trip was a good one for the rookie, who got some real minutes in a couple of games. Tonight was evidence that Carr is still finding his footing and adjusting to the pace of the game. Aside from diving for a lost ball, I feel like we have yet to really see the impact he can have on the ground. Vando played only nine minutes, but each of them was impactful. He provided instant energy in his first shift and continues to show increased aggression around the rim. He has achieved four points. Bronny James, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney James, Hardy and Looney each played four minutes of garbage time after Dončić sprained his ankle and once again nearly blew the lead. Each of them got a -13 on their turn. Hardy has the greenest light in the NBA, James remains passive and susceptible to pressure and Looney took the court for the first time in weeks (give him some grace). Redick admitted that tonight could have easily been a trap game given how the team started. Many will also chastise him for keeping Dončić in the game with four minutes remaining while up 20 when he finally sprained his ankle, but his explanation that the star wouldn’t have been there if Sexton hadn’t gone down was reasonable. The Lakers are on a seven-game winning streak and Redick is pushing all the right buttons. Wednesday DNP: Carson Cooper Wednesday Inactives: Quentin Grimes You can follow Connor on Twitter at @cmorenoNBA.
