Lakers open up 2020 with a hot start. The first three victories to open the year may be sluggish, but they did a good job in the next three. This week presents some favorable matchups and the team begins to embark on the long Grammy road trip. AD or not, they've shown they're capable. Let's see how they fare this week.
1/13: vs. Cleveland 99-128 [W] (33-7)
This game reminded me of that Denzel Washington meme where he hold onto his chest and laughs. I forgot what movie that was. Because it certainly looked like the Cavs were going to pull off the upset with the way that first half went sans Anthony Davis and Rajon Rondo. Kevin Love went off to a hot start from what I heard. Haven't seen that since he put up numbers on mediocre Timberwolves squads. But, the Lakers turned on the jets in the 2nd half, putting Cleveland's false hopes to rest. LeBron James, down with the sickness and all, dropped 31 points on his former team. He also surpassed Isiah Thomas at number 8 all time in the assists category. Dwight Howard returned to form for this game, putting up 21 points and 15 rebounds off the bench. If there's anything this stretch indicates, the Laker role players are finding ways to step up without being in full strength. It's an encouraging sign. Now, imagine this kind of performance with this Lakers roster at 100%.
1/15: vs. Orlando 119-118 [L] (33-8)
And boom goes the undefeated streak against sub .500 teams. The Magic always find ways to have the Lakers' number at Staples. From the first half, things were looking pretty ugly. But, the Lakers managed to find their way back into the game with unsung performances from Quinn Cook and Troy Daniels. Both players stepped up and rain threes to bring the Lakers back. Then, Markelle Fultz took the game over with a triple-double of 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Whenever the Lakers had an answer, Fultz finds a way to respond with a big bucket for Orlando. You know else's the problem? Kyle Kuzma drawing iron all game long finishing with 4 points, going 2-10 from the field. Or LeBron being passive-aggressive this game with 19 points and 19 assists. He had the chance for the game-tying three and of course, it rimmed out.
1/18: @ Houston 124-115 [W] (34-8)
ESPN/ABC rolls out Saturday Prime Time NBA action for the first time this season. The Lakers begin their road trip against the high-octane offense of the Houston Rockets and the duo of James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Once again, no AD this game, but they can take advantage of a slumping Rockets team on a 2-game skid. When you're coached by Mike D'Antoni, his philosophy is simple: 100% offense, 0% defense. Houston started out hot in the first half. But when the Lakers put the clamps on in the 2nd half, the Rockets' holes begin to rip open. After conservative play against the Magic, the Lakers took no prisoners in the 2nd half. Kyle Kuzma breaks off the rust with 23 points. LeBron was more aggressive this game. Danny Green went off for 20 points plus 4 steals. And KCP lead the 2nd unit with 20 points. We can live with Westbrook and Harden combining for 69 points this game. As long as the rest of the Rockets' unit don't show up, that how teams beat them. And the Lakers certainly did a good job holding the rest of the supporting cast in check.
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