The Los Angeles Lakers ended the bubble scrimmages with a big win against the Wizards by a score of 123-116. They did so without LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kyle Kuzma, and Dwight Howard who all were on scheduled rest today. The win gives them two of three victories before heading to their eight seeding games starting on Thursday night.
Caruso Steps Up
After missing the scrimmage opener, Caruso has used the last two games to settle into his backup lead guard role in the absence of Rajon Rondo. Today he started and gave head coach Frank Vogel an ideal showing, finishing with 17 points and six assists in 24 minutes. He also nailed three of four long-range shots, a revelation that could open up the offense for the Lakers in the coming weeks.
Giving this last scrimmage a perfect 3 👀
(📺: @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/bcv8Kc7ifk
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 27, 2020
Markieff Morris Returns
The last of the bunch to join the squad in action was Markieff Morris. Morris cleared quarantine and was inserted into the starting lineup to get his wind and some repetition. He finished the game with six points in six minutes, as mandated by coach Vogel.
Swish Cheese!
Who would’ve guessed the J.R. Smith and Dion Waiters combo wouldn’t make a fun combination? Surely this was not thought of by fans all across Laker Nation.
Smith led the team with 20 points hitting six threes on the day.
C'mon man 🤣 pic.twitter.com/3djajr89VT
— Laker Film Room (@LakerFilmRoom) July 27, 2020
Waiters Island was not far behind with 18 points of his own. Dion couldn’t be outdone when it came to putting a highlight on the reels.
Dion Waiters puts the game away with a saucy finish after beating the blitz coverage. @Lakers win 123-116. 🧀 pic.twitter.com/FIFzhLJlXX
— Laker Film Room (@LakerFilmRoom) July 27, 2020
The two still have more acclimation ahead, but their ability to get hot and nail contested buckets will be a much-needed tool in LA’s toolbox come playoff time.
The Lakers begin the seeding games on Thursday night against the crosstown Los Angeles Clippers at 9PM EST/6PM PST.
