The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a must-win against a team they are directly competing with for a play-in spot.
The Lakers were without LeBron James, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Davis but still pulled off a 123-117 road win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, causing fans to rejoice.
Bounced back. pic.twitter.com/IngoeQ5dqe
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 2, 2023
A fan pointed out how the Russell Westbrook trade enabled the Lakers’ to be in this situation, “The Lakers’ depth now compared to pre-deadline is night and day.”
The Lakers' depth now compared to pre-deadline is night and day.
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) March 2, 2023
Harrison Faigen praised Dennis Schroder, “Tonight felt like one of those weird games that Dennis won a bunch of for the Lakers during the 2020-21 season. Having him on a minimum is such a luxury. What a gutty performance on one leg.”
Tonight felt like one of those weird games that Dennis won a bunch of for the Lakers during the 2020-21 season. Having him on a minimum is such a luxury. What a gutty performance on one leg.
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) March 2, 2023
Another fan was complimentary of Schroder, “Dennis Schroder has played well above his salary all season IMO. The production he’s given for a minimum deal is remarkable. He’s been one of the Lakers’ most reliable guys.”
Dennis Schroder has played well above his salary all season IMO. The production he’s given for a minimum deal is remarkable. He’s been one of the Lakers most reliable guys.
— kingtisemedia (@kingtisemedia) March 2, 2023
Rui Hachimura’s big late-game contributions on both ends of the floor didn’t go unnoticed by fans, “Rui learning from Vando how to impact the game you love to see it.”
Rui learning from Vando how to impact the game you love to see it
— 🏆LakersGuru🏆 (@GuruLakers) March 2, 2023
A fan shared a compilation of players celebrating big wins after this Lakers’ triumph, “LAKERS WIN.”
https://twitter.com/big_business_/status/1631134930800443392
A Thunder fan criticized the officiating in the game, sharing a picture of disgraced referee Tim Donaghy, “Officiating crews when the Warriors or Lakers are losing.”
https://twitter.com/PlayoffShai/status/1631134911901106176
Skip Bayless heavily praised Dennis Schroder as well, “The Lakers have one player – and only one – who can close games. Dennis Schroder.”
The Lakers have one player – and only one – who can close games. Dennis Schoder.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 2, 2023
Dennis Schroder led the Lakers in scoring with 26 points despite suffering an injury earlier in the game. Austin Reaves shot 100% from the field in his 19-point performance, while Rui Hachimura ended up with 3 blocks.
Many assumed this would be a guaranteed loss for the Lakers after Davis was rested for this game after the loss against the Grizzlies yesterday. However, hustle and talent prevailed as the new-look Lakers depth held up against a team like the Thunder, who were without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Will The Lakers Make The Playoffs?
Resting Anthony Davis was a ballsy move by Darvin Ham, but it paid off. The team is consistently one of the fastest teams and dominated the paint without a true playmaker on the floor tonight, even though they only managed 7 fast-break points in the game.
Dennis Schroder getting hurt in the game will worry fans but he returned to the game ensuring the Lakers have some semblance of point guard play available. Injuries could be the downfall of this squad but the impending return of D’Angelo Russell should boost their chances of keeping their winning pace up.
This was a strong win over a team they needed to beat. It’ll be interesting to see how the Lakers handle their record until LeBron can return, as he’s 3-0 with the new-look lineup.
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