We, the people of the United States, have very happy in Cost of Los Angeles Lakers for most of 2022. LeBron James missed significant time early last season, and Anthony Davis missed most of the 2021-22 season. However, it became clear in January, when both were on the field during the All-Star break, that the Lakers would not be a team of any importance post-season.
Then they missed the post-season entirely. Russell Westbrook was benched for the fourth quarter and within hours of the game being over it was leaked that the move had the full support of management. Kurt Rambis was sending a message to the coaching staff, and Westbrook was booed by the home crowd as he performed his jumps.
The NBA’s crown jewel brand looks to be underwhelming, and somehow it’s gotten worse this season. A suitable transaction for the expiring Westbrook contract was not found. They removed most of the players who played their part and then brought in Patrick Beverley, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and Thomas Bryant – who have not played this season due to injury – and hoped for a healthy Kendrick Nunn. strong and a more experienced Austin Reaves. can contribute.
Nothing worked at the start of this season, and the Lakers were a giant stink bomb. Worst team in the tournament, starting from 2022-23 with a score of 0-5. Westbrook dominated the news cycle with his brick at the end of a loss near the Portland Trail Blazers, and constant speculation about what his role would look like while he was still on the roster. Additionally, Anthony Davis is trying his best to compete due to a back injury, possibly growing tired of the nicknames he receives for constantly missing matches.
There is a legitimate concern about when the Lakers will get their first win, with no team below .500 on their schedule through Nov. 11 And then last night the pride took over. Denver Nuggets and their two-time MVP Nikola Jokić.
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Somehow, the terrible 3-point Lakers took 43.3% of their shots from behind the arc. Matt Ryan may have been benched in Indianapolis, but in Los Angeles Matt Ryan gave the Lakers the lead late in the third quarter with a big trio. In the crucial 12 minutes, Ryan, who played last season primarily with the G-League’s Grand Rapids Gold and Maine Celtics, led 2-4 from three.
It was a real attempt by the Lakers to end their shameful start to the season. Austin Reaves put on +15 in 27 minutes in the ring and scored some of the biggest baskets of the game in the late third and early fourth quarters. Lonnie Walker IV scored 18 points. Troy Brown Jr started and took a 4-8 lead from the field after 26 minutes and got six rebounds.
By the time the Lakers dropped the Nuggets, Davis looked like a star arguably worthy of trading all that draft capital for the New Orleans Pelicans to acquire. He dodged the 3-point line, and made his mid-range jump with some late buckets to secure a 121-110 win.
Perhaps the best scene of the game was Westbrook interacting with the Crypto.com crowd, who had been tough on him for much of 2022. He came on from the bench and scored 18 points, 8 rebounds. and 8 assists with only 3 returns, also going 2-4 from the 3-point line. A clip went viral late in the third quarter as the Crowd reacted to Westbrook and earned the group a standing ovation.
Westbrook was burned a lot just because he joined this team. The Lakers had to give up a lot to get him, and it’s not his fault. Yes, he hasn’t played at all-star level, but he only did so for half a season with the Washington Wizards in 2020-21. The Lakers must have known they weren’t getting his version of MVP. However, the burden of the Lakers’ defeats falls on him, like when he played for the Oklahoma City Thunder because Westbrook’s style – on and off the field – is so strong that he always attracts attention. idea.
No win is heartwarming as a team of veteran players improves to 1-5, but the Lakers have at least shown they are capable of winning a game from one of the better teams in the NBA. when they are in equilibrium.
If they lose two more goals in a row The jokes will return, but for one night the Lakers must feel good about themselves. It’s a pity that it has come to this point, but maybe it’s the moment they need to turn the tide this season.
