The Lakers got some strong frontline performances in their preseason opener Saturday against the Warriors, as D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis put up big numbers in short minutes. But two of the big headliners weren’t in the lineup. Monday in Vegas against the Nets, LeBron James and Austin Reaves suited up for the first time this season… and looked pretty good, too!
LeBron looked like he had found the bounce that had been stripped during the playoffs thanks to that foot tendon issue, going for 10/3/5 in 17 minutes. Reaves hit his first shot of the night (a triple) en route to 18 points on 5-7 shooting and 4-6 from 3. All told, the Lakers starters (which included Taurean Prince on a night where Jarred Vanderbilt was unavailable thanks to a heel injury) were a robust 13-23 from downtown. The shooting, which was good on Saturday, continued.
And it was an argument for why Prince would be a good choice for that fifth starter role. He would provide low-usage floor spacing, while still bringing the same on-court hustle and energy of Vanderbilt, though not quite as much defensive versatility and definitely not as much rebounding. Vanderbilt, on the other hand, provides that rebounding and extremely high levels of energy and effort… but unless that corner 3 becomes a true weapon, can create some congestion offensively.
Interestingly, Hachimura’s 19 points on 8-14 from the floor was a good argument for him not starting. It was clear last year, and seems pretty clear again that given the offensive talent in the starting lineup, he’ll have far more opportunities to assert himself as a scorer coming off the bench. And it’s not like he can’t come in as a sixth man, and then finish games, too. There’s no rule against that sort of thing.
So what about the other guys?
Maxwell Lewis is very raw, but man does that kid have some athleticism. He showed it off in the second half on Monday.
Jalen Hood-Schifino is obviously a work in progress, but showed more of what the Lakers see in him as a point guard, not just through five assists, but also the variety of passes he’s obviously comfortable making.
Christian Wood… did he bounce back from a disappointing preseason opener? Integrating him in ways that maximize his skills without over-catering might take a minute.
Did Jaxson Hayes follow up a promising debut with a good second game?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers win, and LeBron and Reaves get back on the floor.
SEGMENT 2: The arguments for Vanderbilt, Prince and Hachimura to be in the starting lineup… or why it’s better that they come off the bench
SEGMENT 3: What about Wood?
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Jase Medical
Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase.
FanDuel
This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS – GUARANTEED. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOLakers?sid=YouTube
Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA
Subscribe to the Locked On Lakers Podcast
📲 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnLakers
📲 Follow the Kamenetzkys: https://twitter.com/KamBrothers
#Lakers #LosAngelesLakers #LebronJames #AnthonyDavis #NBA
30 Comments
LB and DR are weak defensively
Prince also fouls too much
I have a feeling that the lakers will do something novel this regular season in that they will have 3 starting lineups. Rui, Vando and Prince are all excellent fits in the starting lineup. If that’s the case why not just rotate them depending on the matchup that night. Especially if everyone is healthy.
Since this option exists, why not leverage it?
I understand starting lineup continuity but let’s be real. Rui and Vando have plenty of minutes with the starters already and we know it works. While Prince just fits like a glove with AD and Bron.
I’m just saying in this exact context it’s worthwhile for the lakers to try this out
Lebron haters out I see 😂
Everyone check out Lakers Faat Break for some no holds barred non sugar coated Lakers talk
Im glad they understand that rui should come off the bench. Excited about hayes and christian!
Wood was bagging the ball in the basket..and when his three kicks in along with a good pass or two…put the NBA on notice…
Hays play is a joy to see…it’s nice to have a three ring circus at center, this can up the chance of a chip for Bron…good work Rob P…. Let’s go LAL..,
Y’all are phenomenal, my one and only critique is the amount of times you both cut each other off mid point. It’s obvious y’all are brothers 😂😂 continue the great work guys 💪💪
The effect you guys have on me discussing Prince/Vando is like licking my favourite ice cream. Damn
big improvement in effort and results in game 2. lots to like!
christian wood dominated the laker news for the last few weeks and suddenly became irrelevant after his lazy game 1 effort. he did redeem himself in game two and was less bewildered. he looks really big on tv. use that to be more physical, even be mean like embid. when he was banging bodies under the rim, he looked like the previews. he still looks like the slowest player on the court. stop lumbering and get quicker feet. then he'll be a valuable piece.
The size of this team will be a great asset down the road as the talented player’s gel LA Lakers will be hard to beat…
Lebron scored 91.5% of his points when the lakers were down 15 or more last year … that’s wiiiiillllddddd and so nasty … 😂😂😂😂
I really like coach ham using big players preasseason
AD needs to return to being a 3-level scorer, you two need to stop telling AD to stop shooting 3's. The Lakers forced him into a center and he lost his shot because of it. AD is at his best shooting at all 3 levels.
Congrats on the 21K, I can't believe your Podcast doesn't have at least 300K, keep going guys, appreciate your hard work.
Lebron can be more valuable this year at the defensive end if he chooses to. They don't need his energy on offense, hope he spends his energy on the defensive end. He can score 18 a night in his sleep on this team, assist, steals and defensive boards are his value to this team.
I like Lebron and Prince together.
I believe if this starting line up executes it can shoot 40+% consistently, plus Rui, Vincent and Wood potentially are able to shoot 35+% consistently. Wood even passed the ball last night and set guys up, a Miracle I tell you a Miracle! Wood watch could become a real possibility.
I agree with Andy on this team if Lebron really is the Basketball Savant every says he is, it would behove him to shoot less 3's and focus on getting the ball to Prince, DeLo, Reeves and Rui, it critical to surround Lebron with three point shooters to protect him from himself.
Mark my words, there will be nights when Lebron doesn't play and the starting line up of AD, Rui, Reeves, DeLo and Prince will shine.
Don't you think Hayes has big upside for a 23 year old, hope the Lakers keep him, AD and Jackson Hayes can do some damage when they discover how to play together.
Congratulations on 21k. Good game.
When Wood relaxes and realizes he doesn't have to prove himself he can do damage. His 3's are the typical mental adjustment that many 3-point shooters go through when they hit the BIG Laker STAGE. He'll be a pleasant surprise.
I thought last night Wood bought in to the team concept.
The 3 point % for the first unit will be awesome if AD and LeBron did not shoot any.
Patient Kam Bros. Hayes is 23, he can be a player, the Lakers acquired him at the right time, to be mentored by AD and Lebron. The Pelicans had no one to mentor him and the lakers are getting him at the time where he can come into his own without having to endure the first three years. He has a great future.
🏀 LBJ/AD/AR/D'Lo/Rui looked Good/Great. AR/D'Lo are Combo Guards that can play on/off The Ball.
🏀 Prince/Gabe looked Solid/Good.
🏀 Wood looked Better and bcuz He's So Ball Dominant, He will play with the 2nd Group.
🏀 MaxC/Hayes are Solid/Good Young Players that will be in the Rotation.
🏀 Rookies played Hard however, They are G-League Players this Year and that's ok.
📌- 1st Group: D'Lo/AR/Vando/LBJ/AD
📌- 2nd Group: Gabe/MaxC/Prince/Rui/Wood & Hayes
I'm so excited this is what we needed from our roster the whole time able to get to the basket for easy buckets instead of settling for 3 points shots Jax Taurean Prince and Riu can give us that oh yeah don't forget bout Wood 💜💛💜💛🌴💯
Lewis has all the physical tools that JHS doesn't.