Grades for LeBron James, Luka Dončić, in Lakers win vs. Pacers
Despite the Lakers being shorthanded with Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton being out, they dominated the Pacers for most of the game. Unfortunately, they had an unserious stretch in the fourth that gave Indiana a glimmer of hope, but luckily, it didn’t cost them the result.
This contest featured LeBron James posters, Luka Dončić baskets and even a three by Jarred Vanderbilt.
LA had a stellar road trip, winning five of six games, and now they’ll return home as one of the hottest teams in the league.
So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
34 minutes, 23 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 1 foul, 9-17 FG, 0-1 3PT, 5-5 FT, +24
LeBron was dunking all over the place and had a complete game with nine assists and nine rebounds. If this is what the Lakers can expect from LeBron the rest of the way, then the team’s ceiling should be raised.
29 minutes, 6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 3 fouls, 3-3 FG, -1
LaRavia got the start and was aggressive from the jump. He was forcing turnovers, scoring in the paint and fighting for rebounds.
LaRavia stayed defensively active the entire game, generating steals and deflections. One of his most impressive plays happened in the third quarter when he broke up a two-on-one fastbreak by himself, forcing a turnover.
36 minutes, 21 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 1 foul, 9-11 FG, 3-6 FT, +2
Hayes was the Lakers’ starting big in this game and played well. He did what he usually does, which includes attacking the rim and working well with Luka in the pick-and-roll. This was his first double-double of the season, and that level of production was needed.
38 minutes, 25 points, 1 rebound, 8 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 3 fouls, 7-16 FG, 2-7 3PT, 9-9 FT, +14
Reaves continues to struggle with his jumper from beyond the arc. Luckily, it didn’t matter since other players stepped up offensively.
Still, it’d be nice to see Reaves string together some complete games at some point this month. He has silently been slumping.
38 minutes, 43 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 5 turnovers, 5 fouls, 15-30 FG, 4-11 3PT, 9-10 FT, +6
As usual, Luka was offensively aggressive in the first quarter, scoring 21 points. He continued to pile on and ended the night with 43.
He has continued to make his case stronger for the MVP thanks to performances like this.
11 minutes, 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 2 fouls, 1-2 FG, 0-2 FT, +4
Kleber wasn’t much of a factor in this game. The rebounding was solid, but beyond that, it was a mediocre performance.
28 minutes, 8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, 3 fouls, 2-4 FG, 2-2 3PT, 2-2 FT, -9
Kennard had some nice shots in the first half that helped the Lakers establish dominance early on. The front office trading for him has been an incredibly beneficial move.
12 minutes, 5 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 foul, 2-2 FG, 1-1 3PT, -9
With so many players out Vando got some extra run in this game. He took advantage, knocking down a three and being the elite defensive player he typically is. It’s unlikely this performance will convince head coach JJ Redick that Vando needs more playing time, but it’s good to know he can contribute when necessary.
13 minutes, 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block, 3 fouls, 2-4 FG, 0-1 3PT, +4
Bronny had some good shifts against the Pacers. He had a nice dunk and some strong defensive plays. Similar to Vando, this won’t change his role on the team, but it was nice to see.
Redick got the Lakers the win, and minus that poor fourth-quarter stretch, the team played relatively well. Credit to Redick for playing Vando more and even giving Bronny some run. Both players played well, and LA is back in the win column.
Wednesday’s DNPs: Drew Timme, Dalton Knecht, Kobe Bufkin
Wednesday’s inactives: Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Adou Thiero, Marcus Smart, Chris Mañon
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You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
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