Lakers hitting on all cylinders for a change was a welcome relief. Easiest 5 things this season, Jamie. Just need to remember that the Dubs are not the Clippers, Jazz, or Nets.
1. Trezz was beasting last night. Always in the right spot and aggressive knowing he was going up against a rookie rim protector. Whether you want Trezz to show how valuable he can be as a Lakers or to raise his value as a trading chip to a team like the Pacers, his play was great news.
2. We talked a lot about Kuz on the podcast and how the game has finally slowed down for him. Shooting 5 threes per game now at 37.8%, averaging 6.8 rebounds 3rd on team after AD and LeBron, and posting a 103.0 3rd best defensive rating on team after Caruso and LeBron, Kuzma is now cementing his position as the Lakers 3rd most valuable player and the trading chip that could bring back Myles Turner.
3. LeBron taking the bull by the horns to carry the Lakers and also taking advantage of the opportunity to win his 5th regular season MVP now that AD and Embiid are both out with injuries. The King looking great and the team having fun despite missing three key players.
4. I said the other day that the game saving steal and free throws might be exactly what Kenny needed to get untracked and he finally nailed 3 of 4 threes so hopefully this is a sign of him coming out of this slump. Really happy for him although I would still start Kuz at the two.
5. Just when you start worrying about the kid, he comes through in spades with a double-double and 10 assists, many of them leading to Trezz and Kuz dunks or wide-open threes. The third player in the Myles Turner sweepstakes that has to have the Pacers salivating at what they might be able to get from the Lakers.
Gasol is also the perfect player to guard Jokic. And the best passer and 3-point threat from a center the Lakers have ever had. His ability to stretch the floor and find cutters would transform the Lakers offense into a juggernaut.