In the Los Angeles Lakers‘ first preseason game of the season, they managed to take a commanding win over the Golden State Warriors 123-101. Yes, it may only be a preseason game but the Lakers looked good and looked like they were trying to send a message to the league.
Los Angeles Lakers First Preseason Win Makes Headlines
Did You Miss Us?
The Lakers returned to action against the Warriors for some preseason fun. The game took place in the Warrior’s new highly anticipated Chase Center arena. To no surprise, it was sold out. Right from the jump, it looked like the Lakers had been waiting and itching to play and get on the court. Anthony Davis led the charge with a solid 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists. Followed by Lebron James, who’s primary role was that of a point guard. He added in 15 points, 8 assists, and 3 rebounds. The star duo had some key contributions from other players on the team. JaVale McGee, to name one, added in 10 points and 13 rebounds.
What Went Right
There were some major positives to take away from the Lakers’ first preseason game. One of which is having Lebron James playing the point guard position. It had been talked about all offseason but not many knew how it would play out. To no surprise, it looked flawless. James and Davis looked like they had been playing together for quite some time with alley-oops to each other here and there, helping solidify the team chemistry. D’Angelo Russell, a guard for the Warriors, commented after the game saying “Lebron playing point alongside those dudes. it’s cool. It looks like a fantasy team or something.”
Another thing to note is the Lakers won the 3-point battle. That was a key concern in the offseason, only shooting 30.3% from three. They still outshot the Warriors on Saturday, who shot an embarrassing 26.2%.
The Lakers dominated the glass and the assists categories as well. The Lakers outrebounded Golden State 58-47 and 32-20 when it came to total team assists. Now that’s what I call progress.
Relax, It’s Only Preseason
Now many would say, relax guys it’s only preseason its just one win. But to many Laker fans, myself included, this simple win filled us all with the hope, joy, and anticipation we have been dreaming of ever since the Anthony Davis trade was announced. Some would say the Lakers became one of the laughing stocks of the NBA by missing the playoffs each of the last six seasons. This year feels different somehow. As cliche as that may sound, it seems like this team really can go the distance.
It won’t be easy, though. James is in his 17th season at age 34 and father time is undefeated. Davis has been a bit injury prone and has missed a fair amount of games in his career. New head coach Frank Vogel hasn’t had to coach a team that has the star power of James and Davis before. Oh, and let’s not forget to mention how loaded the western conference is this season with teams like the Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets.
So yes, it may just be one preseason game and that one game doesn’t tell the whole story. But to Lakers fans far and wide, this game may have just been an excerpt and it’s safe to say we are sold.
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