Player Grades: Lakers vs. Warriors
For at least one game, there is a glimmer of hope in Los Angeles.
The Lakers actually beat the Warriors. Now, Steph Curry was out for the contest, so it was the corpse of Golden State against the ghost of LA, but in the win-loss column, the victory counts the same.
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.
32 minutes, 26 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 4 turnovers, 1 foul, 11-17 FG, 3-5 3PT, 1-2 FT, +19
LeBron was superb in this contest. He was aggressively attacking the basket, racking up points. James was a positive defender and led the team in assists. He also had another incredible dunk to add to his infinite highlight reel of jams.
There was a scary moment where he blocked a shot and appeared to hurt his hand, but he remained in the game. That’s great news because the last thing this team needs is another injury.
30 minutes, 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 2 fouls, 5-12 FG, 2-4 3PT, 0-1 FT, +20
Hachimura had a relatively positive performance. He shot well and was a good floor spacer during the competitive parts of this contest.
31 minutes, 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 5 fouls, 6-7 FG, 4-5 3PT, +29
This was one of the best LaRavia games in weeks. He finally had a good shooting night and was a threat from deep. Hopefully, this is the start of a good stretch of shooting for LaRavia as we enter the postseason.
31 minutes, 21 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 fouls, 9-11 FG, 3-4 FT, +19
Ayton brought the appropriate energy and efficiency to this game. He dominated inside and scored some of his patented high-post buckets. If Ayton can play like this the rest of the way, LA will have a shot at winning
32 minutes, 14 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, 1 turnover, 1 foul, 6-11 FG, 1-2 3PT, 1-1 FT, +20
Kennard had some really rough possessions with the ball. In the third quarter, he had one play where he rushed to the rim and looked like he had no idea how to attempt a layup.
Kennard is being asked to do more than he normally is, and this game is a reminder of why he is best just shooting from deep and setting screens.
26 minutes, 2 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 turnovers, 1-3 FG, 0-2 3PT, +15
Vando’s offensive possessions were an adventure in this game. He’s clearly only playing because the team is shorthanded, but his time on the floor was tough to watch in this one.
21 minutes, 10 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 1 foul, 4-7 FG, 2-4 3PT, -5
Bronny becoming a legit rotation player has been a joy to watch. He is progressing so much during his sophomore season. He still struggles with ball pressure, but he’s improved a lot. Now, when he comes in, it’s not just during wins in garage time. Bronny can help the Lakers win.
11 minutes, 12 points, 4-5 FG, 4-5 3PT, +9
Smith Jr. just broke the 10 minutes required for a grade. He is a player unafraid to shoot the ball, and in this game he was hot from deep, going 4-5. If Redick needs some offense during one of these games, Smith Jr. isn’t a bad option to go to.
These four players didn’t play 10 or more minutes, so they will not be receiving a grade.
Redick pushed the right buttons in this game. He ran a tight rotation, and it resulted in the Lakers playing a better game overall. Redick called timeouts when the Warriors went on a run, and the Lakers responded each time.
Thursday’s DNPs: Chris Mañon
Thursday’s inactives: Marcus Smart, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
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