Welcome in to the full recap of the Lakers' road matchup vs. the Phoenix Suns where the Lakers snap a long losing streak to defeat the Suns 122-110.
Laker Nation, I want you guys to mark this game down. Remember it. Because what we've seen is the potential when the Lakers play a complete game behind the young players. Russell, Randle, Clarkson, Nance Jr., Ingram, Zubac, they all came to play tonight. Late in the 4th quarter was pretty ugly though. Defensive lapses were apparent yet again. It was like "uh oh, the Lakers are gonna blow another lead in the 4th." But, Clarkson comes up big with a pair of clutch steal and D'Angelo Russell knocks down a dagger three to seal the game. But, still great effort by the six players that headline the youth movement.
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Ivica Zubac, 14 points, 7-13 shooting. Honestly, Luke Walton should consider about starting this man at Center after this game. The Suns were dominating the Lakers in the paint, but Zubac was a one man wrecking crew tonight against the Suns' interior. The soft touch was on display. He's one of the last of a dying breed in the traditional big man.
D'Angelo Russell, 28 points, 10-20 shooting. And people will still be like "trade this man!" This is the cleanest game I've seen from D'Lo. He didn't turn the ball over, he was aggressive when needed to be, and he had the stroke tonight, shooting six 3-pointers. Essentially, consistency and defense are things he need to work on. But, when you looked at his production since the Lou Williams trade, he has taken over the reins. It's just a matter of patience and it's unfortunate that despite the boost in production, some "fans" still want him traded. Yes, he'll piss us off at times. We get it, he's not Kobe. He's D'Angelo Russell.
Brandon Ingram, 14 points, 6 rebounds. I like Reggie Miller's advice on commentary to Ingram, hit the gym and shoot a thousand threes young fella. But, as always I liked Ingram's assertiveness. The kid was on a rack attack tonight, trying to put anybody on a poster. I like that. But, other than that, if he gets the jump shot to go as well as the three point shooting, he's going to reach that Kevin Durant potential.
Larry Nance Jr., 13 points, 8 rebounds. Larry Nance Jr. instilling some of that "Mamba" mentality of playing through a wrist injury. That has gotta be hurting with all the dunks he had and the rebounds tonight. But, that's what he'll do, he'll put his body and soul on the line to bring energy to the Lakers.
Jordan Clarkson, 19 points, 7-18 shooting. Clarkson continues to remain consistent as the Lakers' sixth man since the Lakers traded Lou Williams. He is so much better when he is looking to attack the basket. He had those 2 clutch steals late in the 4th to stop the bleeding because the Suns would've definitely have come back and taken the lead.
Julius Randle, 13 points, 8 rebounds. Speaking of a thousand threes, Randle should think about that too. Honestly, when Randle was settling for the three point shot, I was saying my head "no, that's not your game!" But hey, he hit them and one of those were timely when the Suns were hanging around. He can be better without being so clunky and without playing like a chicken who's lost his head.
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4th quarter defensive lapse. The Suns going on that 11-1 run is the only blemish on the game. What can I say? They've struggled to close games out, especially on the road. Playing a 100% complete game is still a work-in-progress for this young squad.
MVP
Just let him play and develop. This is what it's about at this point of the season. This is hands down, one D'Lo's best games and one of his cleanest games of the season. He definitely had ice in those veins tonight.
Conclusion
In all honesty, it is pure insanity for the Lakers to trade any of the young core. If Magic likes what he sees from them, then we gotta "trust the process." Okay, maybe we sold high on this game because it's gonna be hard for them to replicate this kind of game. But, that's what makes it part of the growing pains. Let these young guys get experience to polish their game and reach their potential. Like I said, this win tonight serves as a glimpse of what the Lakers could be in the future behind their young talent. Overall, good win and a fantastic game from the six players that hold the key to the Lakers' future. I'll see you guys later.
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