How much did it cost for the Lakers to get a convincing win against the almighty Golden State Warriors? Everything. It's as if the Purple and Gold made a deal with the Devil before Christmas that if they win against the Warriors, they'd need to sacrifice LeBron James and Rajon Rondo for a couple of games. LeBron sustained a groin injury and is out for an indefinite period of time. Rajon Rondo needs hand surgery again to repair a ligament in one of his fingers and is expected to miss one month of the season. As shorthanded as they are without their unquestioned leaders, it was time for the Laker youth to step up and be the next generation of Laker greats they are projected to be. Let's see how the fared here as they run the "California Gauntlet" in this week's Lakers' weekly roundup.
12/25: @ Golden State 127-101 [W] (20-14)
Full postgame recap HERE
Merry Christmas Dub Nation! Here's a lump of coal. The Lakers pulled out a convincing win against the two time defending champs. But at a cost, LeBron pulled his groin and will be out for an indefinite period of time. Have no fear Laker Nation, Playoff Rondo and ZuPac are here to save the day as they destroyed the Warriors in pick-and-roll action. "Wait until Boogie gets back." They said. As if 4 All Stars weren't enough.
12/27: @ Sacramento 116-117 [L] (20-15)
HIGHLIGHTS
Don't let this distract you from the fact that the Lakers blew a 104-89 lead in the middle of the 4th quarter this game. I was keeping track of this game during a hangout. About 10 mins later, I found out that the Kings made a monster run to pull within as little as three. The Lakers were gonna be super shorthanded with LeBron and Rondo out. But, the Laker youngins played compelling games until when it was time to close the Kings out. Brandon Ingram had 22 points, but decided to play hero ball in crunch-time moments, which lead to critical mistakes and misses. Ivica Zubac was nowhere to be found, which says a lot on how much he needed Rondo and LeBron to be effective. Kyle Kuzma lead the team with 33 points, but missed a free throw that'll ultimately doom them as Bogdan Bogdanovic hit a dagger three to steal a game from the Lakers. Lonzo Ball was the only one who didn't crumble under the pressure as he kept the Lakers in it with a near triple-double of 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 12 assists. Way to waste another rare excellent game from Zo Lakers!
If that tells us something, Lonzo is much more effective when he's given command of the offense. He hasn't had that luxury since he's third in the pecking order with LeBron and Rondo. With LeBron being ball dominant, Zo has had a tough time to adjust playing off ball. Maybe, this game will tell us something down the line and if Luke can make the correct adjustments.
12/28: vs. LA Clippers 118-107 [L] (20-16)
HIGHLIGHTS
Prior to the season, Lou Williams claimed that the Clippers are still L.A.'s team even if LeBron joins the Lakers. Put that crackpipe down Sweet Lou. No question, the Clippers are a surprise team so far in what should've been a rebuilding year. They don't have an established All-Star, but they are a deep team in the league. It was a slugfest for three quarters until the Clippers pulled away with their depth. To add more salt to the wound, Lou Williams went off for 36 points and lead the Clippers to the win here against a short-handed Lakers squad. Congratulations, you beat a Lakers team missing LeBron, Rondo, and let's throw in JaVale McGee too. You're definitely the team in LA.
To throw even more shade, Montrezl Harrell added some more fire. He said: "Y'all try to overlook us just cuz everybody in that purple and gold and the history of it. Yeah, I respect it. But, that don't mean shit to me. We are gonna make you understand who we are." Yes, you are the Clippers, a cursed franchise that is living in the shadow of the Lakers. And also, a team who'll forever be known as that "other LA team." They are a team that wasted their best years behind a prime CP3, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan by choking in the playoffs year after year after year. They are a team that still hasn't lost their Western Conference Finals virginity. And want to know more? They cover the Lakers' championship banners every home game with selfie banners because clearly they are salty that they can't win the hearts of LA. That's who you Clippers are and who you'll forever be until further notice. World Peace (no pun intended to Metta World Peace) will be attained before the Clippers ever win an NBA Championship for Los Angeles.
12/30: vs. Sacramento 114-121 [W] (21-16)
HIGHLIGHTS
Happy 34th birthday LeBron! Your present? The Lakers young core finally showing up and winning without you having to bail them out. I mean, it only took three tries. This game did look like the Kings were going to pull away. But, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and KCP came to the rescue to save the Lakers from skidding down further in the standings. KCP lead all scorers off the bench with 26 points. Unfortunately, his own inconsistency will make this performance forgettable in a couple of days. SlenderIngram took over the game and this time, he did right unlike Thursday night. And he only committed 1 foul as prone as he is committing a whole lot of fouls before realizes he's going to get DQ'd. The Lakers erased the pains of "Yes-Thursday." They made the right adjustments, putting a body on anybody from beyond-the-arc when it mattered the most, especially not giving Bogdan Bogadanovic any air space to hit an open three. The result? The Kings didn't shoot the ball well from deep, connecting on only 13 threes on 34 attempts. And other note, JaVale McGee returned to the lineup last night. He was definitely missed.
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