Not all wins are created equal and Thursday’s was no ordinary victory for the Lakers.
There’s a level of seriousness that came with that performance that separates good teams from great teams. Everything about this performance screamed schedule loss.
The team had an emotional win in Houston just 24 hours earlier. They then flew from Texas to Florida and didn’t arrive at the hotel until after 5 a.m. That LeBron James, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves all played was surprising enough.
But they did more than just show up. Even if it was against a Miami team that borders unserious in their own right, the Lakers had a lot stacked up against them and responded in a big way.
The Lakers are rolling, Luka is in a groove not seen by a Laker since Kobe Bryant and the wins are stacking up at a rapid rate now.
So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
LeBron James
38 minutes, 19 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 turnovers, 2 fouls, 8-12 FG, 3-5 FT, +4
Playing in this game was impressive enough for a 41-year-old. But then he broke his own record as the oldest player with a triple-double. Bringing this level of energy and efficiency and execution on the second night of a back-to-back in year 23 is the latest list of unparalleled accomplishments.
Grade: A
Marcus Smart
28 minutes, 13 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, 2-6 FG, 1-4 3PT, 8-9 FT, +15
A lot of performances went under the radar in this one because of, well, Luka. Smart was a useful safety valve on a number of possessions, highlighted by him getting to the line nine times.
Grade: B+
Deandre Ayton
29 minutes, 6 points, 4 rebounds, 1 turnover, 5 fouls, 3-5 FG, +13
Bam Adebayo didn’t score 83 points on him, so it was an impressive defensive display. In reality, it was a fairly pedestrian showing from Ayton after a string of strong ones.
Grade: C+
Austin Reaves
40 minutes, 18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, 5-12 FG, 2-7 3PT, 6-10 FT, +13
Speaking of pedestrian games, Reaves put up another one on Thursday. He’s been a bit too hot and cold of late. Having said that, it’s been three straight cold games now in the last four days.
Grade: C+
Luka Dončić
38 minutes, 60 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, 18-30 FG, 9-17 3PT, 15-19 FT, +7
Well, what else can you say? It’s the first 60-point game by a Laker since Kobe Bryant’s finale. After helping keep the Lakers afloat in the first half, a supercharged second half helped them race ahead.
He is in some kind of rhythm right now that is incredible to watch and brings back lots of memories of Kobe. Scoring 100 points inside of 24 hours rightfully brings those comparisons.
Grade: A+++
Luke Kennard
13 minutes, 2 rebounds, 0-1 FG, 0-1 3PT, -5
This is five games in a row now with Kennard being a relative non-factor offensively. In that span, he has four field goals.
Grade: D
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Jaxson Hayes
19 minutes, 6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 2-6 FG, 2-2 FT, -7
Jaxson gave a boost in the first half with his activity around the rim. But that was also about all he did in this.
Grade: B-
Rui Hachimura
18 minutes, 7 points, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 3 fouls, 3-6 FG, 1-2 3PT, -5
Another player who had a strong first half, which was important when the team needed an offensive boost.
Grade: C+
Jake LaRavia
18 minutes, 5 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 5 fouls, 2-3 FG, 1-1 3PT, +5
A nice LaRavia that also came on an efficient shooting performance tacked on, though it featured nearly fouling out, too.
Grade: B+
JJ Redick
After one quarter, I wondered if this game could use a boost from someone like Jarred Vanderbilt or Adou Thiero to add some energy. The Lakers didn’t end up needing it, but it was a surprise that Redick didn’t really expand his rotation. This road trip isn’t going to get any less exhausting, so introducing some more players feels like it has to happen at some point.
Grade: B
Thursday’s DNPs: Kobe Bufkin, Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, Adou Thiero, Drew Timme, Jarred Vanderbilt
Thursday’s inactives: Chris Mañon, Nick Smith Jr., Maxi Kleber
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.