The Lakers finished the first quarter trailing by 12 points as they shot just 40% from the field and committed six turnovers during the period. It only got worse later when they went about eight minutes into the second quarter without taking a shot, allowing Oklahoma City to lead 70-38 at halftime. Nothing changed in the second half, resulting in a crushing loss for Los Angeles 121-92.
This was humbling for the Lakers. They shot 40.3% from the field and 31.4% from 3-point range, had just 19 assists and committed 20 turnovers, while giving up 26 points off turnovers and were outscored in the paint by 18. Three minutes into the first quarter, when they fell behind by double digits, it was clear it wouldn’t be their night.
Next up for the Purple and Gold is an NBA Emirates Cup game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, followed by a matchup against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday to conclude this five-game road trip.
Rui Hachimura: B.
Hachimura didn’t do too badly, as he was 5 of 11 on field goals and 2 of 5 on three-pointers to score 13 points, in addition to five rebounds, two steals and one assist, in 33 minutes.
Deandre Ayton: D.
The Lakers needed a lot more from Ayton in multiple categories. He took just five shots and made three of them to score six points, and also had five rebounds, one assist, one steal and four turnovers in 26 minutes. Defensively, he didn’t provide enough resistance, whether defending shots at or near the rim or contesting perimeter shots from Thunder big man Chet Holmgren, and LA needed him to set better, tougher screens.
Smart frame: D
Smart made all six of his free throw attempts, but that was the only thing he did well on Wednesday. He was 1 of 5 overall and 1 of 4 from downtown and finished with nine points, a rebound and a steal. Defensively, he simply wasn’t effective. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP and scoring champion, scored 30 points in just 29 minutes, and reserve guard Isaiah Joe scored 21 points in 35 minutes.
Austin Reaves: D-minus
This was the type of game where the Lakers needed a big boost from Reaves. Instead, he was 4 of 12 from the field and missed all five of his 3-point attempts while committing five turnovers. He finished with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal in 30 minutes.
Luka Doncic: D.
This was a bad night for Doncic. He was 7 of 20 overall, 1 of 7 from downtown and 4 of 7 from the free throw line, and also committed four turnovers. He made a lot of tough, contested shots, but part of that was due to the lack of rhythm and movement in the Los Angeles offense, and that’s something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Doncic played 33 minutes and scored 19 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
Jarred Vanderbilt: B-plus
Vanderbilt did a very good job on the boards with nine rebounds in 19 minutes. He also contributed six points, scored a three-pointer and contributed two assists. Unfortunately, he was one of the few Lakers players who brought a relatively high level of energy in this game.
Jake LaRavia 😀
LaRavia made just one of his six shot attempts and finished with just five points, one rebound and two assists in 22 minutes. His lack of production was emblematic of the lack of help Los Angeles received from its bench in this game.
Dalton Knecht: A
Knecht spent 19 minutes on the court during garbage time and made the most of it. He converted all but one of his seven shot attempts and five 3-point attempts to score 16 points and seemed to have a good offensive rhythm when he was in the game. He also had two rebounds and an assist.
Jaxson Hayes: Re-minuc/C-plus
Hayes was in the game for 14 minutes and had a minimal impact with two points and two rebounds.
Bronny James: D.
In eight minutes, James went scoreless, missing all four of his shot attempts and had two assists, a rebound and a steal.