Jordan Clarkson lead all Lakers in scoring with 24 points off the bench to go with 5 assists and key player on the Lakers' run late 2nd half. But, they couldn't maintain the momentum, let alone stop the twin tower duo of DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis as the Lakers fall to the Pelicans 119-112. Kyle Kuzma added 20 points off the bench and Julius Randle added 11 points. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope returned from a 2-game suspension and poured in 20 points and was the only starter in double figures in points. Lonzo Ball added a near triple-double with 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 13 assists.
Final Score: vs. New Orleans 119-112 [L]
Full article: http://www.nba.com/games/20171022/NOPLAL#/recap
Next Game: vs. Washington (10/25) <-- b="">Open Thread and Full Recap Posts
Highlights: *courtesy of MLG Highlights*
The Pelicans were in complete control of last night's game, almost leading the Lakers' as much as almost 20 points. But as mentioned, Clarkson and Kuzma were the main instigators in the Lakers' late run. Three things that highlighted the start of the Lakers' rally were Clarkson's 4-point play, Kuzma's three-pointer with .05 seconds left, and the waived basket from E'twaun Moore after Kuzma's clutch three. Moore made the halfcourt basket, but clearly, the ball was still in his hands. Clarkson pretty much did all his damage in the fourth quarter, both scoring and facilitating the basketball. Kuzma too. He's slowly creeping up his point total after a rough start to the season vs. the Clippers. Julius Randle is finally showing some signs of life. I liked the activity I saw from him last night, especially in screen and roll situations with Clarkson and Ball. KCP, had a nice debut. His shooting stroke was on point last night and he had a nice defensive highlight with a monster block down the stretch in the 4th quarter. Knowing how he played in Detroit, we know he's not gonna give 20+ points, high field goal percentage, or neither night in and night out, but he was impressive regardless in his first game as a Laker. Last night were quiet games for Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. Ball still made noise though. The one important he was doing last night is that he was continuing to be aggressive in attacking the basketball. It's just that he was doing what he was brought in to do, get teammates involved, hence the 13 assists. One of Ball's question marks was that he didn't run a lot of pick and roll plays in UCLA. He's picking up that facet of the game really quickly and showed with Brook Lopez and Julius Randle. Ingram, definitely had a quiet game, but he was in foul trouble (again). I think what Ingram needs to stick to right now is attacking the basket and draw contact. Last year, he showed promise on that facet of his game and in the Phoenix game Friday night. Attacking the basket is, as of now, Brandon Ingram's biggest strength in his game. Clearly, his ceiling has not scratched the surface yet. Many are quick to jump the gun and asking for Kuzma to start over B.I. or Magic to trade him. In other news, clearly, the defense needs work. Giving up 100+ points in the first three games surely is not sitting well with Luke Walton. Luke really needs to put the hammer down and place more emphasis on the defensive end. Then again, it's part of the growing process for a rebuilding team. I'll see everyone on Wednesday night. Lonzo Ball and John Wall should be a fun point guard battle to watch as the Lakers take on the Wizards.
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