Even for preseason, the Lakers and Mavericks put on a lackluster display of basketball in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
With Los Angeles missing starters like Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić, they couldn’t use a rotation of NBA players for the full 48 minutes. The result was another blown second-half lead and their fourth loss in five preseason games.
Thankfully, according to head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers will play their final preseason game with everyone available. That’s a relief, cause none of these games have been taken seriously.
So, let’s dive into the loss. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
25 minutes, 22 points, 3 assists, 6-15 FG, 6-11 3PT, 4-4 FT, -3
Vincent was magnificent. He was unreal from deep, knocking down six 3-pointers, including five in a row to start the game.
He was the best Laker in this game and rested most of the second half.
31 minutes, 19 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 9-18 FG, 1-6 3PT, 0-1 FT, -2
Hachimura had a very good first half. He had 15 points and was shooting 7-12 from the field entering the third quarter. After that, he struggled along with the rest of the team in the second half.
Overall, it was a good game from the forward.
25 minutes, 12 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 5-8 FG, 2-4 FT, -4
Hayes got the start with Deandre Ayton out and he dominated. He had a double-double, distributed the ball well, and even earned a stock.
This preseason has been a very good one for Hayes. Now he is in a perfect role for his ability. He can come in and wreak havoc off the bench and when needed, he can start like he did against the Mavericks.
35 minutes, 8 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 3-12 FG, 1-9 3PT, 1-2 FT, -25
How many more ways can I say Knecht is struggling? The shot wasn’t there in this contest, but at least he found other ways to be effective. Knecht grabbed eight boards and led the team with seven assists.
13 minutes, 5 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 2-4 FG, 1-2 3PT, +12
Vando was on his way to a great game, but he suffered a left quad contusion and left the contest. He did not return in the second half.
Redick has sung Vanderbilt’s praises, and he’s looked great this preseason. Hopefully, this injury is nothing major.
17 minutes, 4 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 blocks, 1-3 FG, 2-2 FT, -11
Koloko hasn’t shown enough to make an argument that he’s ready to be an NBA player on a nightly basis. He gets pushed around way too much and doesn’t protect the rim enough. Koloko can’t dominate inside or stretch the floor with his jumper.
25 minutes, 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 3-10 FG, 2-6 3PT, -23
If you cut the basketball tape just so, Smith Jr. seems like a fun player. However, when you watch the complete game, you see an overzealous shot taker who is just looking to get buckets.
27 minutes, 10 points, 2 rebounds, 4-10 FG, 1-2 3PT, 1-1 FT -25
Davis was part of the Lakers units that got annihilated against the Mavericks. Sadly, his plus-minus of -25, wasn’t even the worst on the team.
27 minutes, 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 1-4 FG, 0-3 3PT, 2-2 FT -30
Williams had a great ball fake that led to a layup. That was a pretty cool play.
15 minutes, 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0-2 FG, 0-2 3PT, 2-2 FT, -24
Watson probably played his last Lakers minutes during this preseason.
The Lakers have lost every third quarter during these preseason games and have blown 10-plus point leads in back-to-back games. If this happens in the regular season, he will get blamed. For now, we’ll say it’s more about the players he’s putting on the floor since it’s still preseason.
Wednesday’s inactives: Maxi Kleber, LeBron James, Adou Thiero, Luka Dončić, Deandre Ayton, Austin Reaves, Bronny James, Jake LaRavia, Marcus Smart, Chris Mañon, Augustas Marčiulionis,
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
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