The Los Angeles Lakers lost their second straight blow-out game, this time falling to the Clippers 113-97.
The Purple and Gold started the game slow, immediately falling behind by a wide margin. Their defense could not stop DeAndre Jordan (24 points, 21 rebounds, 12-13 shooting) from getting easy dunks at the rim. Offensively, they missed several layups and could not get any rhythm going.
The second half was a different story. The Lakers came into the third quarter with renewed energy and focus. Their defense was still lacking but there seemed to be more speed in how they reacted.
Brandon Ingram started the second half replacing Lou Williams in the starting lineup and did not disappoint. The rookie took over the game for a stretch in that period, eventually finishing the game with 14 points on 4-8 shooting (including 2-2 from three) along with five rebounds and five assists. It was his fifth game in the previous six scoring in double-digits.
Outside of Ingram, only Jordan Clarkson had a consistent game for the Lakers. The shooting guard finished with 21 points (8-14, 3-4 from three), four rebounds, and three assists. His play was one of the few bright spots as he looks to regain his form.
Outside of those two players, the Lakers were mostly disappointing. D’Angelo Russell was lackluster offensively, though at times he held his own defending Chris Paul. Julius Randle had one of his worst games of the season, unable to get anything going with Jordan patrolling the paint.
Also, Ivica Zubac knocked down a skyhook so this is still a win for the Lakers.
Fan Takeaways:
highlight of the game was chargers getting booed
— Garrett (@1_2skiptomylou) January 14, 2017
the youth movement is frustrating to watch. @Dloading play is so inconsistent. I'm glad Luke pulled him in the 4th.
— J.Le (@phat24) January 14, 2017
Pro-tip: don’t @ athletes on Twitter to tell them what they’re doing wrong. They have coaches for that.
All the guys should take notes from JC and Ingram. They've been the ones playing hard both sides of the ball for 48min
— LAKE_s0ulz (@lake_s0ulz) January 14, 2017
2 thoughts