The Los Angeles Lakers took on the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center on Sunday night, and took home the victory, winning 97-85 . It was bad basketball all-around, with both teams’ sloppy play on offense masking how horrible their defenses were. The Lakers move to 2-8 on the year and face the Phoenix Suns on Monday.
There weren’t a lot of highlights from the game, but one shining star was rookie Larry Nance, Jr. He had a beautiful put back on a lob from Kobe and was solid on the defensive side of the game. The rookie also had this amazing dunk. Hopefully this means an increase in playing time for the young guy, but you never really can tell with Byron.
The game was put away in the 4th quarter, courtesy of a Kobe Bryant three point dagger to make it 85-74. Kobe fell just short of a triple-double tonight, ending at 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists. Kobe went 6-19 from the floor however, so he still needs to either find his touch or take on a facilitator role.
Another unfortunate trend that continued tonight was the lack of D’Angelo Russell in the fourth quarter. He wasn’t having that great of a game tonight, with 9 points and 2 assists in 21 minutes, but in a season so focused on development, you have to wonder what the kid needs to do differently to get more playing time.
Jordan Clarkson was the best shooter on the floor tonight, going 5-10 for the game, and 2-4 from the three point line.
By far the most interesting stat: Nick Young was a +20 tonight and ended with 13 points. Could this be the return of the Swaggy we know and love? Only time will tell.
