Aloha,
Well that was a good game. I knew it would be a tough one. 3rd game in 4 days, on the road, against a good team, is not easy. Fortunately
We have a very good team. Luka was coming off the birth of his daughter and a 10 hour plane ride. He was still good but not the Luka we had been seeing. And Austin, after carrying the team the last couple of games looked tired. No problem because LeBron looked like LeBron again.
Up to to yesterday LeBron was basically in his training camp after missing all of the summer, training camp and the first 14 games. However yesterday he was the LeBron we have come to expect and he did not disappoint.
Then there was DA. He was 7 for 7 from the field, with 12 boards, a block and a steal. He is looking more and more like out center if not only the present but the future. He has been one of the best centers in the league so far and it seems like he realizes how good he has it here and his attitude has been perfect.
Other players made various contributions but Rui Rui stood out with his 17 points and solid defense. We are still way to top heavy offensively and I would love to see Nick Smith get a standard contract so he could be available every game instead of spot minutes as they manage the 50 games he is allowed as a two way player.
Is Embid washed? I don’t see them play enough but Ayton completely out played him. Actually Jackson stepped up against him as well.
Paul George is a cautionary tale for us and the rest of the league. Do not give an aging player with an injury history like him a boat load of money for several years. He will be an albatross for the 76ers for years to come.
The Lakers may not be an analytical darling but they just find a way to win. And we haven’t lost a game in crunch time yet. All things considered they actually could be the 2nd best team in the NBA. And if LeBron is truly back, the analytics will begin to look better as well.
Excellent recap, Michael. Good win against winning team.
Thanks Tom.
I feel your passion, Michael, and I hear you. You’re spot on to zero in your analysis, but I am more on the bench issue. JJ Redick’s approach here is fascinating because he’s not just thinking about the next game—he’s thinking about sustainability, about how this team avoids burning out its stars when the lights get brightest.
Here’s how JJ can handle it with conviction and vision:
– Accountability & Trust: JJ has always emphasized that role players aren’t “fill-ins”—they’re essential. He challenges the bench to embrace responsibility, not just wait for minutes, but seize them. That’s why Rui’s 17 points and defense matter so much—JJ should highlight those contributions publicly to build confidence.
– Development in Real Time: Instead of leaning on the same five in crunch time, JJ should push for staggered rotations. He knows the playoffs demand fresh legs, so he
should be willing to live with mistakes now if it means the bench is battle-tested later.
– Contracts & Commitment: Your point about Nick Smith is huge. JJ understands that a two-way player can’t be the spark every night if he’s limited to 50 games. He’s persuasive in advocating for front office moves that align with his vision—turning Smith into a standard contract guy would be a statement that the Lakers are serious about depth.
– Culture of Punches Off the Bench: JJ’s philosophy should be that the bench shouldn’t just “hold the line”—they should swing momentum. He should want energy, defense, and fearless shot-taking. That’s how you avoid the nightmare of last year’s playoffs where the stars had to carry every possession.
The heartfelt truth is this: JJ should try to build a team where LeBron and Luca don’t have to be superheroes every second. He should be persuasive in the locker room, enthusiastic on the sidelines, and relentless in reminding everyone that championships are won by teams, not just duos.
If the Lakers buy into JJ’s vision, the bench becomes more than insurance—it becomes the weapon that keeps them number one on the road and dangerous in June.
—it’s like building a chessboard where every piece has to be ready to strike at the right moment.
If Nick Smith gets that standard contract,JJ Redick’s playoff rotation would balance star power with youthful energy and defensive grit.
That’s just my opinion.