Aloha,
Luka has had many great games with the Lakers but this was the first time we saw the Destroyer of Worlds version of Luka. Being able to channel that kind of emotion into that performance was remarkable. It’s was Kobe like.
When the team saw that Luka was on a roll it seemed like they all slipped in to the back seat and watched him drive. LeBron and Rui began to contribute in the 2nd half when Luka only scored a “measly” 14.
AD was the opposite of Luka. As Laker fans we have seen that version of AD from time to time, slipping into the woodwork. As great as AD is, he will forever be a side kick. Now it wasn’t all his fault. We applied the Joker defense and swarmed him whenever possible and he was playing without a true play maker. But it just revealed the difference between Luka and AD. AD needs help, Luka doesn’t. We also got to see him play his beloved power forward position. This left him out on the perimeter on both offense and defense where he is not nearly as effective. I’ve said it before and I will say it again AD’s best position is center. Period.
Dallas has a real size advantage over us and I thought we handled it very well. With Rui back, our small ball line up is very effective as the rotations were crisp and on point.
I would still like more help at the 5 but there isn’t much we can do about that until the summer.
With the Warriors losing last night we are guaranteed at least the 5th seed. The Clippers, Griz and Nuggets are behind us and we hold the tie breakers. The Griz play the nuggets. So one of them can’t pass us. Actually there is a way we can win the 3rd seed without winning another game. If the TWolves beat the Griz, and the Griz beat the Nuggets and the Warriors beat the Clippers that would give us the 3rd seed. Not impossible at all.
Still I would prefer to beat the Rockets and get it over with. It will be interesting to see who the Rockets play. They rested all of their starters against the Clippers. They are locked into the 2nd seed and should prioritize health over a win. Still we beat them last time, so we’ll see how they handle it.
Regardless, we are in a good spot and will have a week for LeBron to rest before the playoffs. A luxury we didn’t have the last two years. We will not need the Luka the destroyer of worlds version of Luka to have a deep playoff run but it’s nice to know that version is available if needed.