The start of this game had all the elements of a game in Milwaukee in the middle of a November road trip.
The Lakers entered the game with Quentin Grimes (sprained right finger) being the only player unavailable, but left it with Luka Dončić rolling his ankle, Austin Reaves twisting his left heel and Collin Sexton bloodied after an accidental headbutt with Ryan Rollins.
Despite the departure and injuries, Los Angeles took care of business and rode a six-game winning streak to Phoenix to close out its first extended road trip of the season.
So let’s dive into victory. As always, ratings are based on each player’s expectations. A “B” rating represents that player’s average performance.
21 minutes, 0 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 0-4 FG, +14
The box score didn’t treat LaRavia as the best in this game, but his impact continues to defy the counting statistics. Fifty-fifty balls, defense, running in transition, all factors with the Lakers being a plus-14 while LaRavia was on the floor.
29 minutes, 10 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 steal, 4 fouls, 5-10 FG, +19
I thought Kessler started this game a little too passively around the rim defensively and that set the tone for the rest of his game. Nonetheless, he was once again a crucial intermediary between the Lakers’ defensive and offensive production.
23 minutes, 8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 turnovers, 3-6 FG, 2-4 3PT, +4
It took Thybulle a half to really make his impact felt, but he continues to be a consistent producer on both sides of the ball. Steals, deflections and threes have defined his impact this season and it was the same tonight.
32 minutes, 32 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 turnovers, 3 steals, 10-25 FG, 5-12 3PT, 7-10 FT, +21
Luka is making it nine straight 30-point games, but twisted his ankle with about four minutes left and the Lakers leading by 20. Dončić was good, again, but started this game with a questionable shooting regime and committed some bad turnovers.
Of course, we take the good with the bad, but Dončić’s start to the match prevented him from having another great match in all respects.
25 minutes, 18 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 turnover, 6-10 FG, 1-3 3PT, 5-5 FT, +23
Before leaving the game with his injury, Reaves was the symbol of Dončić’s yang, providing the Lakers with balance, a steady shooting regime and conservative ball handling. Without his injury, Reaves was on track for another efficient 20+ point outing.
26 minutes, 23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 9-15 FG, 5-8 3PT, +21
Mamu puts together some of the best games of his tenure with the Lakers. His connectivity was on full display tonight, draining three players and seemingly passing to everyone on defense. His ability to relieve stress both in transition and in the half court on offense remains invaluable.
If Reaves or Dončić are short on time, having someone like Mamu is a luxury.
20 minutes, 9 points, 5 assists, 2 steals, 4-5 FG, 1-1 3PT, +11
Speaking of continued production, Williams remained a consistent bench player tonight. His defensive intensity, especially on Tyler Herro leading to a brawl, is an important aspect in keeping an otherwise subpar group above water. It also helps when he makes his threes.
13 minutes, 10 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound, 1 turnover, 1 steal, 4-8 FG, 0-3 3PT, 2-2 FT, +1
It’s been an up and down season for Sexton so far, but he continues to show better balance when handling the ball in non-Luka minutes. However, it always feels like he takes up a little too much space when sharing the floor with Reaves.
13 minutes, 0 points, 2 rebounds, 2 turnovers, 0-3 3PT, -13
This road trip has been good for the rookie, who has gotten real minutes in a few games. Tonight was proof that Carr is still finding his footing and adjusting to the pace of the game. Aside from diving to the floor to recover a ball he’s lost, I think we haven’t really seen what impact he can have on the floor yet.
Vando only played nine minutes, but every one of them was impactful. He brought instant energy in his first shift and continues to show improved aggressiveness around the rim. He collected four points.
Bronny James, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney
James, Hardy and Looney each played four minutes of wasted time after Dončić rolled his ankle and, once again, nearly lost the lead. Each of them was a minus-13 in their shift. Hardy gets the nod from the NBA, James remains passive and sensitive to pressure and Looney spoke for the first time in weeks (give him some grace).
Redick admitted that tonight could have easily been a trap game given the way the team started. Many will also criticize him for keeping Dončić in the game with four minutes remaining when he was up 20 when he ultimately twisted his ankle, but his explanation that the star wouldn’t have been there if Sexton hadn’t gone down was reasonable.
The Lakers are on a seven-game winning streak and Redick is pushing all the right buttons.
Wednesday’s DNPs: Carson Cooper
Wednesday inactives: Quentin Grimes
You can follow Connor on Twitter at @cmorenoNBA.
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