Everyone witnessed the match between the Lakers and the Kings, where the Lakers once again emerged victorious when the two teams faced each other back-to-back. For the Lakers, their victory not only increased their number of wins but also made them seem like an insurmountable peak for their opponents. So, what aspects are worth analyzing in this game? Who were the key figures in the Lakers' third victory over you? Data doesn't lie, and five people have been officially confirmed.
The Kings and the Lakers have met quite a few times this season, and this is their third encounter. The previous two times, the Lakers came out on top, and this time, they won again, albeit with some difficulty. The Lakers' third victory over the Kings might make the Kings start to question themselves. It's inevitable; the Lakers changed their approach this season, while the Kings' original style was affected after bringing in DeRozan. It must be said that DeRozan may have really come to the wrong place.
So, who played the most critical role in the Lakers' victory in this game? Data is the most honest witness, and there are five people worth mentioning. First and foremost is Rui Hachimura. Why is Rui Hachimura at the forefront? This young man truly made significant contributions in this game. Although his scoring data alone isn't much, just 9 points, Rui Hachimura grabbed 11 rebounds. Among these 11 rebounds, 3 were offensive rebounds, including the crucial rebound after AD missed a free throw.
Secondly, there's LeBron James. James was fully focused on winning in this game, launching a full attack from the opening. Throughout the game, he attempted 23 shots, made 13, scored 32 points, had 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals, performing at his best on both offense and defense. For the Lakers, allowing James to get adequate rest results in such effectiveness. Moreover, during the game, as long as the Lakers can withstand the transition phase without James on the court, the game becomes much easier.
Thirdly, it's Anthony Davis. In this game, Davis seemed less interested in scoring, but he could contribute to the team through defense. He finished the game with 10 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks, fully demonstrating his value. Fourthly, there's Russell Westbrook. Speaking of Westbrook, he's undoubtedly a standout when playing in favorable conditions. He scored 20 points, had 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, becoming the most critical scorer off the bench.
Reaves is fifth. In this game, Reaves performed quite well, scoring 16 points and dishing out 5 assists, and those last two free throws were calmly sunk, helping the team secure the win. In fact, if you look at the rhythm of the Lakers' recent games, it's quite different from before. Currently, the Lakers' defensive strategy is to retreat and defend deeply rather than switch defenses as they did previously. In summary, the Lakers have completed their adjustments and achieved remarkable results.