FSM Essential Recap: Lakers vs Warriors - Game 57

FSM Essential Recap: Lakers vs Warriors – Game 57

Franchise Sports Media

Los Angeles Lakers (26-31) | Golden State Warriors (28-28)

 

Without LeBron James, the Lakers used their newest additions to snap their three-game losing streak against the Golden State Warriors 109-103

 

Both the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors were without their most prominent stars, as LeBron James and Stephen Curry were both dealing with their respective injuries. The Lakers used their new trade acquisitions in the lineup for the first time, and it helped make the difference as they came away with a big 109-103 win to improve to 26-31. 

Darvin Ham cited the “Energy, effort, and urgency” that helped produce a “huge win” that was very much needed for the Lakers.

 

Even though the Lakers had their new additions in the lineup against the Warriors, they didn’t get the chance to play with LeBron James just yet. King James was out due to left ankle soreness. Ham had said that James would be day-to-day moving forward.

 

The new additions for LA came to play, with Jarred Vanderbilt, in particular, making a difference. Vando totaled 12 points (5-7 FGs), eight rebounds, and four assists. Vanderbilt’s length, mobility defensively, and skill as a passer stood out. Vando seemed to gel with the second unit, as he and Wenyen Gabriel proved to be one hell of an energy boost off the bench. 

When asked about Vanderbilt postgame, Ham told reporters, “I’m so thankful that we got him.”

D’Angelo Russell had himself a solid showing, as he had 15 points (6-12 FGs), five rebounds, and six assists. Anthony Davis told reporters postgame that he and Russell were talking the entire game, analyzing their pick-and-roll chemistry and where each other likes the ball offensively. Davis added that he, Russell, and James were drawing up plays at halftime and figuring out their three-man game.

Russell, on fitting with James and AD, “Obviously, what they have going works. So for me to fit in with them, I got to figure out how I can fit in. I think that’s gonna happen over time and experience.”

Davis struggled, as he only had 13 points on 5-19 from the field. He managed to salvage his display with 16 rebounds and three blocks, but the damage was already done with his 26% shooting from the field. However, it is reassuring that this new-look Lakers squad can still get the job done without one of their main stars and the other playing below expectations.

Malik Beasley had a troubling debut showcase, as he only had four points on an abysmal 2-9 from the field and 0-6 from three. There are no worries just yet, but there does seem to be a shadow that looms over any players that come to Los Angeles, as many seem to forget how to shoot the ball. However, we’ll chalk this one up to first-game jitters.

 

It was a rough offensive showing early on for both teams. LA trailed by as many as eight in the second quarter but trimmed the deficit to two at 53-51 despite a poor shooting half (41.3%). The Lakers forced ten turnovers (to their seven) to get a few extra possessions.

 

Davis struggled offensively (2-7 in the half), as was Rui Hachimura. However, it was a strong close to the third period from LA’s new-look bench unit. Vanderbilt led an 8-2 push with four points, and Gabriel added a putback, plus a Beasley layup.

The Lakers snapped their three-game losing streak to improve to 26-31. They’re now 1-0 with their new group available. Dennis Schroder carried the Lakers to victory as he led the squad with 26 points (7-12 FGs, 3-4 3PMs, 9-11 FTs). He also added three rebounds and three assists. LA’s defense also did its job, as they held the Warriors to 41.7% from the field, including 12-44 from beyond the arc, and forced 16 turnovers. Hachimura added 16 points and seven rebounds.

Jordan Poole did everything he could for the Warriors, totaling 29 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Klay Thompson had a tough game, as he had 15 points on 5-21 from the field and 3-13 from three. Draymond Green did his thing with 12 points, seven rebounds, and ten assists. Andrew Wiggins had 12 points and six rebounds. JaMychal Green and Ty Jerome combined for 21 points off the bench.

 

The Lakers face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, Feb. 13th, at 7:00 p.m. PT at the Moda Center. The game will be available on NBA League Pass, Root Sports Northwest, and Spectrum SportsNet.

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– Jake Ideguchi-Furukawa – Franchise Sports Media

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