One game removed from a crushing loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back in a big win against the New Orleans Pelicans.
With the regular season rapidly winding down, there isn’t much room for error as the Lakers are in the thick of the race for the No. 3 seed, though they could very well fall into the Play-In Tournament if they don’t perform in the final handful of games.
The Lakers’ trio of LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves was firing on all cylinders against the Pelicans, as they each scored more than 30 points.
Doncic led the way with 35 points, providing a much-needed bounce-back game, while shooting 10-of-21 from the field. Reaves scored 30 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting while knocking down six 3-pointers.
James scored 27 points while dishing eight assists to round out the trio’s superb performance in the 124-108 win on Friday night.
While those three players will get the shine, and rightfully so, JJ Redick noticed one player in particular who impressed — and showed flashes of what he can offer come playoff time.
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Redick praises underrated Laker
With the playoffs being two weeks away, Los Angeles needs more from the squad outside of the trio, complementing them and providing depth.
On Friday night, one rookie stood out to the Lakers head coach. Dalton Knecht’s 20 minutes played proved to be impactful in the victory.
“He’s a guy that can help us win a game in the playoffs. Maybe multiple games,” Redick said after the win. “…it was great way to start tonight with an offensive rebound crash and tip in… showing how locked in he was to the game. The basketball gods reward that.”
Redick has done a phenomenal job in year one as the Lakers’ head coach, despite dealing with a massive in-season trade to move Anthony Davis in favor of Doncic, and being able to identify and utilize a talent like Knecht to play winning basketball will only add to his impressive season.
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