Even in the absence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers came out tough and capably ready for a dogfight.
Overcoming the painful dents of their superstar tandem, the Lakers channeled a balanced attack into slamming a shocker in front of the Miami Heat, 112-109, this Wednesday night.
Darvin Ham called for a step-up in his supporting unit in pregame, and the rookie mentor can only be delighted that his call was followed.
“We had multiple big plays from multiple players,” Ham said, via Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times. “… Everyone just banded together. That’s what we have to be about.”
Inspired by the presence of his baby boy from the spectator’s area, Dennis Schroder outbattled ankle pain late in the fourth and poured in 32 points and four boards.
Russell Westbrook, on his part, surely let his presence be felt for L.A., dropping a near triple-double with 21 points, nine assists, and eight boards. Big man Thomas Bryant was also brilliant in the paint, pulling off a 21-9 performance.
The Lakers got lucky with Tyler Herro catching cold hands, but Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo came in to work as they had a combined 57 points and 17 boards on the losing effort.
By far the best win of the Lakers this season. Despite a cold shooting from the three-point line, they completed their fourth win out of the last five games.
The Lakers will continue their homestand on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks.
