The LA Lakers made an impressive statement in their preseason victory against the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing the firepower of their star players. Led by LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves, the Lakers emerged triumphant with a score of 129-126 in Las Vegas.
LA Lakers Impress in Preseason Victory Against Brooklyn Nets- LeBron, Davis, and Reaves Lead the Charge in a High-Scoring Affair
The Lakers’ key starters only played in the first half but demonstrated their top form on Monday. James contributed 10 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds, while Davis nearly achieved a double-double with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Reaves made an immediate impact, scoring 18 points in his 20 minutes of play. D’Angelo Russell also put on a shooting display, connecting on four of his five three-point attempts and adding 14 points to the Lakers’ tally. Rui Hachimura excelled as a super sub, shining with 19 points.
The Lakers unveiled a potential opening-day lineup against the Nets, emphasizing the importance of a strong start. Davis wasted no time in making his presence felt, blocking the Nets’ first shot attempt and assisting Reaves for a three-pointer. Russell then went on a streak, drilling three consecutive treys. The Lakers’ starters ended their first shift leading 21-18 when Jaxson Hayes substituted in for LeBron.
Although the Lakers established an eight-point advantage, the Nets responded with an 8-0 run to narrow the gap. Former Laker Lonnie Walker IV’s free throws gave Brooklyn a one-point lead heading into the second quarter.
Throughout the first half, the Lakers experimented with different lineups, including a big lineup featuring James, Davis, and Christian Wood. This unit embarked on a 7-0 run and outscored the Nets 17-5 overall, reclaiming the lead and control of the game. The Lakers’ defense stifled the Nets as they entered halftime with a comfortable 75-61 advantage.
Teamwork 🤝 pic.twitter.com/IjlE90bQUb
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 10, 2023
As expected in the preseason, James, Davis, and Russell were done after the first half. However, the Lakers’ backup unit struggled in the third quarter, allowing the Nets to trim the 14-point lead. Coach Darvin Ham had to call a timeout to halt the momentum at the 7:05 mark.
The remainder of the quarter unfolded in an unpredictable manner, with Cam Thomas and Reaves engaging in a three-point contest. Defense seemed optional in the preseason atmosphere.
The younger Lakers players received more playing time in the second half. While Max Christie encountered foul trouble, accumulating four fouls in his initial 12 minutes, Jalen Hood-Schifino displayed promise during his 15 minutes on the court. Maxwell Lewis also had a notable run in the fourth quarter, converting four of his five field goal attempts. Moreover, he celebrated his first “freeze” moment of the preseason.
In the fourth quarter, the Lakers’ young core sealed the victory, highlighted by a Lewis dunk, a D’Moi Hodge charge, and a final rebound by Colin Castleton as the buzzer sounded. The Lakers concluded their time in Vegas as winners, a rare feat for any team.
Lakers Preseason Performance Sparks Excitement for Upcoming NBA Season
Although it is crucial to remember that this was only a preseason game, the Lakers’ starting lineup showcased great chemistry and effectiveness. The offense was electrifying, and Taurean Prince provided a strong defensive presence, allowing Hachimura to excel off the bench as a scorer. Coach Ham also experimented with a lineup featuring Jaxson Hayes, Davis, and James, which resulted in some of the best defensive minutes of the night.
Read More: LeBron James Anoints Anthony Davis as New Face of the Lakers Franchise
With the absence of key players in the second half, the final score becomes irrelevant. When it mattered, the Lakers looked impressive. As the regular season approaches, Lakers fans have reasons to be optimistic about their team’s potential based on the strong preseason performance of their star players.
