Following a 125-108 loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers got back on track against the Brooklyn Nets thanks to scintillating perimeter performances. Despite building up a large lead in the second quarter—and relinquishing it in the second half—the Lakers edged past the Nets 129-126, displaying key improvements along the way.
Lakers Burn Bridges and Nets with Three-Point Shooting
Perimeter Masterclass
One of the biggest takeaways from the Lakers’ offseason was their improved three-point shooting, and it definitely showed last night. LA drained 20 triples out of 55 attempts (36.4%) en route to their win over the Nets. The starting backcourt of Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell combined for eight of them. Newcomer Taurean Prince shot 3/5 from distance, finishing with 13 points on 5/7 shooting.
The team’s success from three was an encouraging sign for fans. Over the past six years, the Lakers have consistently finished in the bottom third when it comes to both three-point makes and percentage. Their highest marks came after the 2021-22 season, when they finished 18th in makes (12 per game) and 22nd in percentage (34.7%). The last time they were this red hot in a game came on Feb. 7, 2019. LA drained a franchise record 22 triples against the Boston Celtics.
With the league’s landscape changing over the summer, the Lakers will have to find ways to succeed on the offensive side of the ball, and signing perimeter reinforcements was the best way to go about it. New players like Prince and Gabe Vincent will be key three-point threats going forward. The team’s returners have also shown a commitment towards improving their shooting, and it’s paid off so far.
It’s clear that the Lakers are motivated to change previous perceptions about their perimeter game, and it begins with standout performances like these.
A True Team Effort
Though Brooklyn had several key contributors last night, they were spearheaded by young guard Cam Thomas, who recorded 26 points in 22 minutes. Mikal Bridges, a cornerstone for the Nets, was kept at bay with eight points on 2/7 shooting from the field. The Lakers, on the other hand, had eight of their rotational players in double figures.
Rui Hachimura led the way with 19 points while going 8/14 from the field. Reaves and Russell’s marksmanship allowed them to finish with 18 and 14 points, respectively. LeBron James and Anthony Davis played well in the first half. James recorded 10 points (3/8 FG, 1/4 3PT), three rebounds and five assists in his preseason debut. Davis had 13 points (4/6 FG, 1/3 3PT), seven rebounds and three blocks.
The team’s backup bigs also made major contributions. Christian Wood recorded 10 points, (4/10 FG), six rebounds and two steals. Jaxson Hayes finished with eight points on perfect 4/4 shooting.
Finally, the Lakers’ rookies came up clutch in the game’s final moments. With Brooklyn leading 126-125 at the 1:20 mark, D’Moi Hodge blocked Jalen Wilson’s layup attempt. Jalen Hood-Schifino then found Maxwell Lewis on the break, and he finished with a slam dunk to put LA back in front. After Hodge missed a top-of-the-key three, Colin Castleton made a putback layup with 50 seconds left. He then secured the defensive rebound to end the game after Armoni Brooks missed the game-tying triple. It may be preseason, but the young Lakers showed they can thrive under pressure, a skill that will serve them well when the regular season rolls around.
Team Stats Comparison
The Nets matched the Lakers’ efficiency all around, shooting 49% from the field to LA’s 48%. The Lakers, however, won the battles in terms of rebounding (48 to 44) and playmaking (25 assists vs. 19). Ultimately, both teams displayed remarkable offense, but the Lakers came out on top with their defense (eight steals and six blocks) and late-game composure.
Looking Forward
The Lakers have begun to knock the rust off, evidenced by strong performances from every player regardless of experience level. They’ll look to keep things rolling against the Sacramento Kings tomorrow at 7pm PST.
