Lakers Weekly Report: Week 3 Takeaways
The Los Angeles Lakers were exceptional this week. They went a perfect 4-0, defeating the Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, and Detroit Pistons. They are currently sitting atop the Western Conference with a 9-2 record (as of Sunday). Though we are early into the year, the Lakers are playing great basketball. Let’s dive into the third week of Lakers basketball.
Luka Doncic is Playing Historic Basketball
Luka Doncic has not let up one bit since starting off the year on a high note. The ninth-year point guard went on a historic scoring run last week, improving his average to 40.1 points per game, totaling to 361 total points. Only Wilt Chamberlain has had a better scoring average through nine games back in the 1962-1963 season, averaging 52.4 points per game, totaling 472 points.
Doncic is also shooting efficiently from the field at 49.3% and continues to shoot well from three as well, with 41.9% from beyond the arc. Both are career bests for Doncic. He also continues to play stellar defense, leading the league in two-point field goal defense, holding opponents to 21.9% on two-point shots.
“The Don” has been the best player in the league so far, and if he continues to play consistently and avoid any major injuries, there isn’t a reason he shouldn’t win his first MVP award.
Head Coach JJ Redick has been amazed by Doncic’s play.
“I’m gonna just sit around and we’ll gather one day, come up with more superlatives so I have more words ready,” Redick said. “But for now, I don’t have any words.” (via Infanity TV YouTube)
Doncic undoubtedly was named NBA player of the Week along with Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson. (via NBA on X)
Austin Reaves Should Be an All-Star
Because we witnessed a historic week from Doncic. Austin Reaves has been in the shadows, but he’s been hooping. The former Oklahoma Sooner has averaged 25.3 points per game, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. Reaves especially stepped up in the clutch for LA on Sunday night. Reaves put up 43 points, five rebounds and two assists. He also was three-for-five from deep.
Reaves was pleased with the Lakers’ performance overall.
“I just thought we came out with aggression. We guarded them really well in that first quarter, making some shots, so that’s obviously helpful,” Reaves said. “But I think the most important thing was how we responded to their run into the third and start of the fourth. That speaks volumes about this team and how we stick together, even when times get hard.”
It is just amazing that Reaves has grown into such a dynamic player so far in his career, especially because of the fact that he signed with the Lakers as an undrafted free agent. There have only been five undrafted players who have ever received an All-Star bid; Reaves may become the sixth.
Great Team Play
The most impressive factor from the Lakers has been their team play. The Lakers are truly a 10-deep roster; everyone who’s been getting minutes is doing exactly what they need to do for the team. Obviously, the three stars of Doncic, Reaves and Walker Kessler step up in big ways.
But guys like Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle really spread the floor out with solid three-point shooting and Williams specifically is at times able to go get a tough bucket if needed.
As well as Jake LaRavia and Collin Sexton, both great core pieces so far. LaRavia specifically has improved his shooting from the last two seasons. His field goal percentage is sitting at 55%, and his percentage from three is at 57.1%; both are career highs.
Last night was the perfect example of team play. Five Lakers scored in double figures. Even Adou Therio, who has been sidelined to start the year from injury, had quality minutes. This has been a great week of play from LA all around.
Injury Report
Doncic was all good to go for Monday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks after being out on Sunday with back tightness. Quentin Grimes could miss some time with a right finger sprain. Austin Reaves was also out on Monday with an illness (via Trevor Lane on X).
What’s Next?
After a back-to-back on Sunday and Monday, the Bucks resume play on Wednesday and will finish play this Sunday against the Suns, as well as a four-game road trip.
Final Reflection
The Lakers are one of the hottest teams right now, winning five straight games and playing elite basketball this last week. Plenty of season to go, but as for right now, they’re balling, and this edition of the Lakers weekly report reflects that. Where do they rank on your power rankings this year?
Main Image: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
