The Los Angeles Lakers have started the 2024-25 season with a 3-0 record and are looking strong. Superstar Anthony Davis has been playing like an MVP candidate to start the season, dropping 31 points and 9 rebounds against the Sacramento Kings while LeBron James chipped in an impressive triple-double (32 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists) including 16 points in the fourth quarter to manage a 131-127 victory. He broke a record for being the only player to post a double-double in his 22nd season. Following the Lakers’ victory, let’s provide a grade for every player, starting with The King himself.
LeBron James: A+
Stats: 32 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 12-22 FG, 4-9 3-PT FG, 34 mins
LeBron James was phenomenal, leading the Lakers with a 32-point triple-double. Not only did he score efficiently (12-of-22 from the field, 4-of-9 from three), but he also dominated the boards with 14 rebounds and dished out 10 assists. LeBron continues to defy age, becoming the first player to record a triple-double in his 22nd season. His playmaking, rebounding, and scoring were instrumental in the Lakers’ victory but he was also the difference with a monster 16-point fourth quarter. The Kings simply had no answer and it was great to see James playing at a superstar level after two rather average games to start the season.
Anthony Davis: A+
Stats: 31 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks, 10-15 FG, 1-2 3-PT FG, 38 mins
Anthony Davis continued his MVP-caliber start to the season with 31 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and an impactful defensive performance (3 steals and 2 blocks). Shooting an efficient 10-of-15 from the field, Davis showcased his versatility on both ends of the court, proving crucial in key moments. His ability to defend, score, and control the paint was a major factor in the Lakers’ win and it was great that he got plenty of help from his teammates as well.
Austin Reaves: B+
Stats: 16 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 7-12 FG, 2-4 3-PT FG, 34 mins
Austin Reaves provided a balanced stat line with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, shooting efficiently (7-of-12 from the field, 2-of-4 from three). His playmaking and rebounding added depth to the Lakers’ offensive flow, while his shooting kept pressure on the Kings’ defense. Although he didn’t record any steals or blocks, Reaves was a steady presence on both ends and has had a very strong start to the season. His all-around play was effective in neutralizing what De’Aaron Fox (28 points, 10 assists) and Domantas Sabonis (29 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) were doing for the Kings.
Rui Hachimura: B+
Stats: 17 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 5-13 FG, 2-2 3-PT FG, 37 mins
Rui Hachimura was active, scoring 17 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. His efficient three-point shooting (2-of-2) and solid presence in the paint made him an important part of the Lakers’ rotation. While he didn’t contribute defensively in terms of steals or blocks, his rebounding and ability to score inside and out added to the Lakers’ success considering the forward is on the court to make his shots from the perimeter. No doubt, coach JJ Redick has trusted Hachimura to play heavy minutes and the player has answered the call.
D’Angelo Russell: B+
Stats: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 6-11 FG, 3-6 3-PT FG, 32 mins
D’Angelo Russell finally had a strong showing this season with 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting 6-of-11 from the field and 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. He also added 2 steals, showcasing his defensive engagement. Russell’s scoring and playmaking were key in maintaining the Lakers’ momentum and the point guard needed a strong comeback game after dropping 14 points combined in his first two games.
Dalton Knecht: B
Stats: 10 points, 0 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 4-7 FG, 2-5 3-PT FG, 20 mins
Dalton Knecht contributed 10 points in 20 minutes, shooting 4-of-7 from the field and 2-of-5 from three. Although he didn’t contribute much in terms of rebounds or assists, his shooting helped stretch the floor and keep the Lakers’ offense flowing. Knecht’s scoring off the bench provided valuable support and he seems to be the most trusted rookie in JJ Redick’s rotation, clearly ahead of Bronny James.
Jaxson Hayes: C
Stats: 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2-2 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 14 mins
Jaxson Hayes had a modest performance with 4 points and 2 rebounds, shooting 2-of-2 from the field. Although he didn’t play a major role in the game, he provided reliable minutes off the bench, contributing with efficient scoring and some interior presence. Hayes was also useful in defending Sabonis whenever Davis was granted his break on the bench.
Max Christie: C
Stats: 2 points, 0 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 1-4 FG, 0-2 3-PT FG, 18 mins
Max Christie scored 2 points and dished out 4 assists in 18 minutes, adding 2 steals to his line. While he struggled shooting (1-of-4 from the field), his playmaking and defensive efforts gave the Lakers some extra depth. Christie’s contributions were minimal but steady, helping to facilitate the offense and apply pressure defensively.
Gabe Vincent: C-
Stats: 2 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 1-6 FG, 0-4 3-PT FG, 13 mins
Gabe Vincent struggled, finishing with 2 points on 1-of-6 shooting, including 0-of-4 from three. He added a steal but had no rebounds or assists. Vincent’s shooting slump limited his impact in this game, though his defensive presence helped slightly. He’ll aim to improve his efficiency and playmaking in future outings because his Lakers stint has been underwhelming so far.
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