The Los Angeles Lakers failed to capitalize on a victory against the San Antonio Spurs. In a 109-99 victory, the Spurs beat the Lakers without Victor Wembanyama. The Lakers shot 49.3% from the field and 46.2% from three-point range. Los Angeles will look to bounce back vs. the Golden State Warriors on Friday.
Christie and Hood-Schifino Lead Lakers in Summer League Game Two
Los Angeles Lakers Player Spotlight
Lakers Max Christie picked up where he left off in game one with another stealth performance in game two. Leading the team with 25 points, Christie’s dominance from beyond the arc and in the paint was the driving force behind the Lakers’ victory. What stood out the most was Christie’s high basketball IQ, which helped him make the right decisions on the court. His performance in game two solidified his value to the Lakers. Christie will be a major asset for Los Angeles going forward.
“It’s always good to see a player in their second summer league, just their disposition on both ends of the floor,” Lakers coach JD DuBois said following the Heat loss. “I’m continuing to challenge him to defend and rebound. And then the offense will continue to take its steps as well.”
Jalen Hood-Schifino
Lakers first-round draft pick Jalen Hood-Schifino rose to the occasion in game two and finished with 20 points. Hood-Schifino’s performance was impressive after a slow start in game one of the Summer League. He was one of the highest-scoring players on the court, and his ability to score from anywhere on the court helped the Lakers stay in this game. His performance gave the franchise confidence that their draft pick was the right choice.
Outside of Max Christie really impressing, one of the most fun(!) early developments this summer is the immediate chemistry between Jalen Hood-Schifino and Colin Castleton.
Their two-man game just effortlessly flows/freestyles into the next action when something gets taken away. pic.twitter.com/1vXAhUqgW3
— Alex Regla (@AlexmRegla) July 6, 2023
What’s ahead for the Los Angeles Lakers?
However, with only three games remaining on their Summer League schedule, this is the moment for the young Lakers to show the franchise what they are made of. Their performance in the last three games will be crucial in determining how the team moves forward. It is an opportunity for the young players to make a statement and prove their worth to the organization. Every game counts, and the bosses are always watching.
The full Lakers summer league roster and schedule: pic.twitter.com/3z7VViiraF
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 30, 2023
Los Angeles Lakers’ next three games.
Sunday vs. the Charlotte Hornets
Wednesday vs. the Boston Celtics
Friday vs. the Memphis Grizzlies
The Competition
Second-overall draft pick Brandon Miller and the Charlotte Hornets are also winless in the Summer League so far. Miller has performed below par so far but has shown signs of a potential star player in the making. The Celtics’ are led by their one draft pick from the 2022 NBA Draft, J.D. Davison. He played in the G-League last year and is showing glimpses of brilliance in the Summer League. The Memphis Grizzlies are arguably the most talented team on the Lakers’ remaining schedule. The Grizzlies are stacked with talented young players like second-year forward Kenny Lofton Jr. and rookie guard GG Jackson. Both players have the potential to be game-changers for the Grizzlies. Memphis is 3-1 and are looking to win it all.
