The Lakers underwent some soul-searching at observe Saturday, with coach JJ Redick beginning the dialog earlier than permitting gamers to talk freely concerning the staff’s points.
It was an try by Redick and the staff to stop issues from spiraling uncontrolled after three consecutive losses.
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When the Lakers confronted the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night time at Crypto.com Enviornment, Redick wished to see gamers executing on protection and enjoying more durable.
The Lakers did precisely that, with Luka Doncic and LeBron James combining for 58 factors and 12 assists in a 125-101 win.
Learn extra: Lakers ‘recalibrate’ after Austin Reaves harm, three-game dropping streak
“I believe it undoubtedly begins with us,” stated Doncic, who had 34 factors, seven assists and 5 rebounds. “And when AR (Austin Reaves) is again, it’s going to be all three of us. … We have to present what we will do and if we’re going to do it, we each are going to do it. The group goes to observe. … I believe right now simply exhibits that everyone was locked in.”
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For the Lakers, it was greater than Doncic ending with 34 factors, seven assists and 5 rebounds. It was Doncic enjoying protection, illustrated finest when he blocked a shot by DeMar DeRozan. It was Doncic hustling, comparable to when he dove to the ground for a free ball.
Requested how the Lakers responded to Redick’s message, Doncic responded, “very nicely.”
“I believe our effort was very excessive beginning the sport like that, getting deflections, getting steals, being bodily,” Doncic stated.
Lakers star Luka Doncic controls the ball in entrance of Sacramento Kings middle Maxime Raynaud throughout the first half Sunday. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Instances)
The win was greater than James scoring 24 factors and handing out 5 assists. It was James throwing down a reverse dunk and providing phrases of knowledge to teammates whereas additionally taking pictures 11 for 13 from the sphere.
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Like Doncic, James was happy with how issues turned out.
“I assumed it was a superb response,” James stated. “I believe regardless of who’s coming into your constructing, regardless of the document of whoever, it’s a must to exit and play the sport. The sport is gained between the 4 strains. So, I assumed we executed that and it was one of many higher video games we had this 12 months.”
And it additionally was reserve Nick Smith Jr. discovering a job within the rotation and producing, one of many six Lakers scoring in double figures. Smith had 21 factors on eight-for-14 taking pictures, making 5 of 10 threes.
Lakers star LeBron James reacts throughout a win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Instances)
Rui Hachimura had 12 factors, Deandre Ayton had 11 factors and 11 rebounds, and Jake LaRavia had 11 factors.
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“We performed collectively. We performed for one another,” Redick stated. “We had in all probability one in all our most constant video games, when it comes to 48 minutes of simply aggressive spirit. A pair possessions there in the direction of the tip of the third that we tried to be the Harlem Globetrotters.
“However that is the primary recreation … we have had all 12 months that we have gained all 4 quarters. So I believe that simply says lots concerning the method and the constant mentality that we performed with tonight.”
The Lakers (20-10) took management from the beginning of the third quarter, occurring a 13-2 run to present them a 26-point lead that reached as excessive as 30 within the fourth quarter.
Granted, the Kings (8-24) have the second-worst document within the West and have been lacking injured stars Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Bradley, three of their prime 4 scorers.
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However the Lakers misplaced three straight video games due to poor protection and an general effort that Redick described as “horrible.”
And with Austin Reaves out for a minimum of a month due to a calf pressure, getting the possibility to speak by way of their points would possibly find yourself altering the staff’s fortunes.
“It is the very very first thing that all of us sat down yesterday and graded ourselves on — was our habits, our communication and our form,” Redick stated. “And the fellows all echoed the identical ideas that we’ve not been good.
“For no matter purpose, we misplaced our manner a bit of bit. … However I assumed the communication tonight was glorious, significantly on the defensive finish.”
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This story initially appeared in Los Angeles Instances.
