Episode Details

On the show, we talk a lot about the level Anthony Davis has to play at for the Lakers to have a good chance to win. 

Thursday in Sacramento, Davis met that standard, and then some. 

21 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, three steals, six blocked shots. As JJ Redick noted after the game, Davis was able to dominate the game without actually being efficient from the floor, where Davis shot 7-20. But his activity completely controlled the game, including early as the Lakers established a high end defensive tone that would would carry throughout the 113-100 win. 

So why did Redick say this was maybe his favorite of LA's 15 wins on the season? Well, it starts with Davis and the way he was able to dominate despite not having an efficient night shooting. But there was a lot more, as well. LeBron James gave the Lakers 19/8/7 with a block. He was engaged defensively, and was able to do that because the effort across the board was balanced. They got 28 points from D'Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent. Max Christie gave them eight points, three offensive rebounds and made De'Aaron Fox work for his keep. 

And Austin Reaves kicked in with 25, hitting 3's and getting himself to the basket effectively. There wasn't efficiency, but there was balance. And the Lakers did all the little things that translate into winning basketball that coaches love, especially on nights where the offense (after a great first quarter) was not good. The Lakers generated multiple second and third opportunities, with 15 offensive rebounds, while only allowing four offensive boards to the Kings. They limited their own turnovers (11), and turned over the opposition (16). LA got to the line more than Sacramento. 

Do all that stuff, and you end up winning comfortably on a night where the Kings shot a higher percentage from both the floor and beyond the arc. 

Its's a four-game stretch where the Lakers have played better defense, and started winning some games again. It looks different, but can they carry it through as the schedule picks up again? There's been a ton of rest lately, which will disappear. 

If the answer is yes, it's easier to take an optimistic view of what's coming in 2025. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Anthony Davis dominates. 

SEGMENT 2: The Lakers get balanced effort. 

SEGMENT 3: Is this defense sustainable? 

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