The Los Angeles Lakers have started off the 2024-25 NBA season perfectly, going 2-0 following an impressive 22-point comeback victory against Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and the Phoenix Suns.Â
Despite 30 points from Durant and 23 from Booker, the Suns could not fend off a major comeback from Anthony Davis (35 points, 8 rebounds), LeBron James (21 points, 8 assists), and Austin Reaves (26 points, 8 assists) and lost 123-116. The Lakers are showing some strong play to start the new year, and we provide a grade to every player wearing gold tonight.
Anthony Davis: A+
Stats: 35 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 11-18 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 38 mins
Anthony Davis put on a phenomenal performance, scoring 35 points while also adding 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. He shot 11-of-18 from the field and was a dominant force both offensively and defensively, proving once again he could be the Lakers’ focal point. The big man has to be one of the front runners for the MVP award to start the young season because he is playing like the best big man in the world right now. Hopefully, he can keep it up but we have come to know how Davis has varied his performances as the weeks go by.
Austin Reaves: A
Stats: 26 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 8-12 FG, 5-7 3-PT FG, 37 mins
Austin Reaves was outstanding, scoring 26 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting and providing 8 assists. His accuracy from beyond the arc (5-of-7) was instrumental in helping the Lakers erase the Suns’ lead, while his 3 steals and 1 block underscored his defensive hustle. Reaves showcased his versatility and clutch shooting all night long, and he was the second-best player on a Lakers team that was truly impressive in their comeback.
LeBron James: B+
Stats: 21 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 7-13 FG, 2-5 3-PT FG
LeBron James played a key role in the Lakers’ comeback, finishing with 21 points and 8 assists while shooting efficiently (7-of-13 from the field, 2-of-5 from three). His leadership and playmaking were essential as he helped set up teammates for success. Although he didn’t significantly impact defense with no steals or blocks, his veteran presence and shot-making were critical in the Lakers’ late-game push. However, we still cannot deny that The King is finally starting to show some age and we need to enjoy the last remaining seasons as much as possible.
Rui Hachimura: B
Stats: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 5-12 FG, 2-4 3-PT FG, 39 mins
Rui Hachimura contributed solidly with 14 points and 7 rebounds. His shooting (5-of-12) was respectable, and he connected on two of his four three-point attempts, providing valuable scoring from the forward position. Hachimura’s offensive contributions helped keep the Lakers competitive in key stretches and his size was very effective in trying to slow down Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal when he would get the switch. Not Hachimura’s best performance but a critical one considering he played 39 minutes.
Jaxson Hayes: B
Stats: 6 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 3-3 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 18 mins
Jaxson Hayes made the most of his minutes, scoring 6 points on perfect shooting (3-of-3) while pulling down 6 rebounds and dishing out 4 assists. Defensively, he added a steal and a block, making him a valuable presence in the paint. Hayes’ energy and efficiency off the bench provided a needed spark for the Lakers during their comeback push and he also gave Anthony Davis some much-needed rest during the game.
Dalton Knecht: C+
Stats: 8 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 2-5 FG, 2-4 3-PT FG, 13 mins
Dalton Knecht contributed 8 points in limited minutes, shooting 2-of-5 from the field and 2-of-4 from three. He added 1 rebound and 2 assists, along with a steal, showcasing his potential as a perimeter threat. While his impact was modest, Knecht’s three-point shooting helped stretch the floor and added to the Lakers’ comeback efforts. It is getting to a point where Lakers fans cheer every time Knecht has a chance to shoot, and that bodes well for the young man’s career.
Max Christie: C+
Stats: 3 points, 3 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1-1 FG, 1-1 3-PT FG
Max Christie made a limited but efficient contribution, hitting his only field goal attempt for 3 points and adding 3 rebounds. While his role was minimal, his three-pointer helped maintain the Lakers’ offense because he is getting more comfortable at moving the ball. Christie’s contributions were small yet effective in the flow of the game against a very talented Suns team with plenty of offensive talent.
D’Angelo Russell: C
Stats: 5 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1-6 FG, 1-3 3-PT FG, 29 mins
D’Angelo Russell struggled offensively, scoring only 5 points on 1-of-6 shooting. He managed to contribute with 5 assists and provided some defensive effort with a steal and a block, but his scoring and shooting efficiency left much to be desired. Russell will need to find his rhythm if he wants to play a larger role in future games, and he has not had the best start of the season considering he only scored 9 points on 4-12 shooting in his first game against the Timberwolves.
Gabe Vincent: C
Stats: 5 points, 2 rebounds, 0 assists, 3 steals, 0 blocks, 2-5 FG, 1-3 3-PT FG, 21 mins
Gabe Vincent added 5 points and 3 steals in 21 minutes, giving a modest lift off the bench. Though his shooting was just 2-of-5, he hit a timely three-pointer and was active defensively. Vincent’s energy and defensive contributions helped the Lakers maintain intensity, even if his offensive impact was limited. Still, the Lakers need more from Vincent when it comes to shooting because he can’t seem to hit the mark consistently at all.
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