Thought Starter...
When they visited the Cavaliers in Cleveland last week, the Lakers were thoroughly outclassed. The Cavs were faster to the ball, played with more “want,” and made the Lakers look bad. But, to be fair, the Cavs are undefeated this season. They’ve done that to six other teams, too.
Detroit? That’s a different story.
But Monday, the Pistons used the “Clevelant formula” to drop the Lakers to 4-3, beating them 115-103 in Detroit. The home team was quicker to every ball, much more explosive in the open court and punished the Lakers on the glass and in transition. Meanwhile, the Lakers bench was again wildly unproductive and uncharacteristically unenergetic (is that a word?) to the point that JJ Redick essentially pulled the plug on Max Christie (five minutes) and later, Dalton Knecht as well (only nine) in favor of Cam Reddish, who didn’t score any points but. provided energy and at least some defensive resistance.
What happens next is anyone’s guess, but the way Christie has played, he likely hasn’t built up a ton of leeway. But even if Reddish plays and provides a boost to the defense, he’s not going to address the bench’s total lack of offensive punch. The Lakers are relying on Knecht, maybe Christie, and hope that eventually someone like Christian Wood can bring a little offense.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is clearly beat up. He’s carrying the team, putting up MVP numbers, but the Lakers aren’t taking full advantage.
Much to think about as the NBA goes dark for election day.
Three Big Questions...
1. How is Anthony Davis’s ankle, and how long has this been a problem?
2. What kind of rotation changes could fix what ails the Lakers?
3. Can the Lakers recover following tomorrow’s GOTV day in the NBA, and finish the trip on a high note in Memphis?
