evaluating each Lakers player’s performance during the team’s defeat by the Bucks, 126-106.
The Lakers lost to the Bucks on Thursday, despite Luka Dončić having his finest scoring performance in a Lakers uniform.
The Lakers lost their third straight game after digging themselves into a hole they couldn’t escape with a weak first half finish and an even worse start to the second half. In order to finish this back-to-back with a game versus the Nuggets, they must now swiftly fly to Denver.
evaluating the play of each Lakers player following the team’s 126-106 defeat by the Bucks. Even though Luka Dončić had his best scoring game while wearing a Lakers uniform, the team’s victory over the Bucks on Thursday was not aided by it.
The Lakers lost their third consecutive game after digging themselves into a hole they couldn’t escape with a weak first half finish and an even worse start to the second half. To finish this back-to-back, they must now swiftly fly to Denver to play the Nuggets.
Dorian Finney-Smith 5 points, 1 rebound, 2-8 FG, 1-5 3PT, -16 in 30 minutes DFS had a terrible first game after recovering from ankle soreness. He was terrible offensively, couldn’t truly slow down Giannis Antetokounmpo, and committed way too many fouls.
During the Lakers’ ugly run that ended their Thursday, he had some awful bricks and an airball on a 3-pointer in the third quarter. This was undoubtedly a difficult night for Finney-Smith, but everyone has bad nights. Normally a fantastic plus-minus player, he had the second-worst figures in that category tonight, with a -16.
Grade: D- Len, Alex 19 minutes, 1-3 FG, -15, 2 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist Which is declining more quickly, Alex Len’s stock or the S&P 500? I would wager on Len. He started for the Lakers for the second straight game, but he didn’t appear much better on Thursday than he did on Monday.
He committed some terrible giveaways, couldn’t stay in front of anyone, and missed a few easy baskets close to the rim. I’m referring to situations where there is no pressure and the ball is turned over while attempting to pass to the shooter.
Compared to a washed Zach Randolph, he appears less athletic. Sometimes you have nothing to work with, but JJ Redick is making the most of what he has.
Grade: F
Gabe Vincent
26 minutes, 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3-10 FG, 0-5 3PT, -12
Vincent was active in this game, but his performance left much to be desired. In the first quarter alone, he missed four wide-open three-pointers, with the crowd audibly expressing their frustration after his third miss.
Defensively, he didn’t leave much of an impact either. With multiple key players out, the Lakers needed a stronger showing from him. While he has the ability to step up, he wasn’t able to deliver in this matchup.
Grade: D-
Luka Dončić
36 minutes, 45 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 14-27 FG, 7-13 3PT, 10-12 FT, -16
Offensively, Luka was unstoppable for the Lakers. He attacked the paint, drew fouls, converted his free throws, and knocked down several deep three-pointers in rhythm.
Despite his incredible 45-point effort, it wasn’t enough to carry the team to victory. He also committed six turnovers, which was a blemish on an otherwise stellar performance. Still, it’s unfortunate that one of his best games in a Lakers uniform ended in a loss.
Grade: B
Austin Reaves
36 minutes, 28 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 10-17 FG, 4-7 3PT, 4-4 FT, -6
Reaves had a slow start but found his rhythm as the game progressed. He attacked the basket, rediscovered his jumper, and by the fourth quarter, looked like his usual self again.
Although the Lakers suffered their third straight loss, the silver lining is that if Reaves has returned to form, he could be a key factor in getting them back on track.
Grade: B+
Dalton Knecht
22 minutes, 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 4-7 FG, 2-4 3PT, -3
Knecht’s confidence continues to grow with each game. Primarily known as a spot-up shooter and finisher near the rim, he displayed some off-the-dribble shot creation, which was an encouraging development.
While that’s not typically his role, it was good to see him expanding his game. Knecht played his part well, which is more than can be said for most of the team in this one.
Grade: D+
Christian Koloko
15 minutes, 2 points, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1-3 FG, 0-1 3PT, -1
Koloko finally got extended minutes, something that had been long overdue. Unfortunately, his performance wasn’t particularly impressive.
He started off well with a solid basket but then committed a series of bad fouls, including an unnecessary one on a corner three. His defensive lapses were costly, especially this late in the season when mistakes are magnified.
Even so, he remains a better option than Alex Len—though that’s not saying much.
Grade: D
Jarred Vanderbilt
15 minutes, 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2-4 FG, 0-1 3PT, -14
Vanderbilt had a quiet night, struggling to make an impact defensively. His most notable moment was a dunk in the second quarter, but beyond that, he didn’t leave much of an impression.
With so many key players missing, his usual glue-guy role wasn’t as effective, making him look like just another rotation piece rather than a difference-maker.
Grade: D
Jordan Goodwin
26 minutes, 0 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 0-2 FG, 0-1 3PT, -17
This was Goodwin’s worst performance of the season. He struggled on both ends, failing to contain opposing players defensively while also going scoreless on offense.
Normally a reliable contributor, he had a rough night, mirroring the struggles of many of his teammates in this disappointing outing.
Grade: C
Markieff Morris
12 minutes, 4 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1-4 FG, 1-2 3PT, 1-2 FT, 0
Morris played the entire fourth quarter, but by then, the game was already out of reach. His performance was uneventful—he took a few shots, made some passes, and ran out the clock.
No Grade
Shake Milton
Milton saw just four minutes of action and didn’t do much in that short span. He attempted two shots, missing both, with one being blocked and resulting in a turnover.
Grade: C
JJ Redick
Redick lost an early challenge, and his decision to start Alex Len again was questionable. Another puzzling move was bringing Luka Dončić back into the game during the fourth quarter when the Lakers had no realistic chance of winning.
Given Luka’s ongoing calf, back, and ankle issues, it was unnecessary to risk further injury. Fortunately, he remained healthy and was finally subbed out with 4:06 remaining
Thursday’s DNPs: Cam Reddish
Thursday’s Inactives:Bronny James, Maxi Kleber, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, LeBron James, Trey Jemison III
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