The Lakers visited our nation’s capital Friday night and completely took over from the jump against the Wizards. Everything was running on all cylinders for the Lakeshow, who were coming off their worst loss of the season Wednesday night versus the Cavaliers. They needed a bounce back win and this game was the perfect one to help them do that.
Luka finished the first half with 26 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds to lock in the triple double early. This was the second time he had accomplished this. The last time was as a member of the Dallas Mavericks. Finding his groove early on, Luka was also getting his teammates involved as he connected with Jaxson Hayes three times over the course of the night for an alley oop. He also made a beautiful pass to Jarred Vanderbilt in the paint between two defenders and was in sync with DeAndre Ayton for a few assists that led dunks. The Lakers’ supporting cast really does have to be ready at all times when playing with Luka. The ball could be coming right at them at any time.
During his postgame interview, when asked what he did differently tonight, DeAndre Ayton told Lakers reporter Mike Trudell, “just take what the defense gives you.” Ending his night with 28 points, 3 assists and 13 rebounds, DeAndre Ayton took every opportunity that the Wizards and his teammates were giving him. Whether he was dunking lob passes or battling for rebounds, he was going to flip the script and make sure that he left his mark on tonight’s game.
LeBron James also didn’t disappoint tonight. In vintage LeBron fashion, we got to witness James turn back the clock with left handed and reverse alley oops and even a few from three point land. He was also active on the defensive end with 2 steals.
At one point the Lakers had a 38 point lead in the game. It’s still a mystery what it is that makes this team lose some steam in the third quarter. They maintained control but it was evident that they took their foot off the gas as the lead was cut down to 24 heading into the fourth, 108-84.
DeAndre Ayton, LeBron James and the Lakers’ second unit would then clean things up and comfortably close the door on the Wizards. So much so that the crowd began to chant for Bronny James to check in. Fans got their wish as he checked in with 5:29 to go in the fourth quarter and later rewarded them with a breakaway one-handed dunk.
The Lakers look to finish out the Grammy trip on a high note when they face the New York Knicks on Sunday at Madison Square Garden and the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Tuesday. Two very important games before returning home to host a handful of games at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers 4-2 so far on this eight game road trip.
Notable Stats of the Night
Luka Dončić: 37 points , 13 assists, 11 rebounds, 13/21 FG
Deandre Ayton: 28 points, 3 assists, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks, 12/24 FG
LeBron James: 20 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals
Malaki Branham: 17 points
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