After an overtime loss to the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Washington Wizards. At Crypto.com Arena, LeBron James looked to redeem himself after his costly mistake in the fourth quarter against Houston.
Former Lakers Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made their return to the Staples Center. The now-Wizards teammates were part of the Lakers’ championship run in 2020.
After being outscored in the first half, the team from Southern California came out firing. They proceeded to score 70 points in the second half to put away Washington and win 122-109.
This was the first meeting against these two non-conference opponents. But, in front of a sold-out crowd, LeBron showed again why he is the King.
LeBron James dropped 50 for the 2nd time this season on Friday night.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 12, 2022
He’s the first Lakers player with multiple 50-point games in a season since Kobe Bryant in 2007-08. pic.twitter.com/lsDLRUUjOK
In a span of four games, LeBron has managed to score 50+ points twice. Quite impressive.
Malik Monk continues to be a solid piece for the Lakers. He contributed 21 points and four assists in the winning effort. Talen Horton-Tucker led the team off the bench with 15 points and showed off a new look.
THT with @LakersReporter on his efficient offensive night (15 PTS, 5 REB) vs. a couple of former teammates in Kuz and KCP. pic.twitter.com/qHDoMHrnI6
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 12, 2022
Nice glasses, Talen.
As for Washington, Kyle Kuzma led the team in scoring with 23 points. Corey Kispert hit five three-pointers and had 21 points of his own.
These two teams will face off again on March 19th. The Lakers will improve to 20-16 at home, 29-37 overall.
My Thoughts
Wow.
LeBron James continues to show the world he’s still the best player in the world. To come back to Los Angeles and drop 50 points in front of his home crowd? That’s one way to redeem yourself.
He was having his way all game long. Whether it meant hitting six three-pointers or shooting 100% from the free-throw line, it was easy for the King all night.
one hell of a sequence here from LeBron pic.twitter.com/yS9TjApQFP
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) March 12, 2022
Reminder: he’s doing this at the age of 37. Year 19. Hats off to you, LeBron.
Russell Westbrook struggled to score tonight for LA, contributing only five points. He did have nine assists but failed to shoot efficiently from the floor.
A few days ago, I wrote about the Lakers potentially trading Horton-Tucker this offseason. Since then, he’s performed considerably well for the team. If he continues to perform the way he does, the Lakers may have to keep around.
Austin Reaves is always bringing the energy every game, and it was no different against the Wizards. Since being inserted in the starting lineup, he has been phenomenal. The Lakers may have found their new Alex Caruso.
This team can be frustrating to watch at times. But, when things are rolling, they are a fun bunch.
LeBron can’t be expected to put up 50 every single night. However, I’m sure this team doesn’t mind it. After all, the Lakers are 2-0 when he does so.
Los Angeles has 16 games left in this regular season. They currently remain as the 9th seed, which would place them in the play-in tournament.
But, let’s enjoy the now and not worry about the future. Los Angeles was rocking last night, and this team was having fun and smiling.
Team chemistry: 100%?
The Lakers will face off against the Phoenix Suns. We’ll see if LA will have the same energy.
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