The Los Angeles Lakers put on an impressive display of basketball in their dominant 119-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. A balanced effort from the team, led by both veterans and young stars, helped push the Lakers to another crucial win in their quest for postseason positioning. Here’s a breakdown of the Lakers’ performance and player grades from this convincing victory.
LeBron James – A
LeBron James continues to defy age, proving he’s still one of the best players in the league. In this game, he was a force on both ends of the floor. LeBron finished with 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, showcasing his all-around playmaking abilities. His leadership was evident, especially in moments when the Hawks made a push. He controlled the tempo and maintained his composure, setting up his teammates for easy baskets and delivering key shots.
Anthony Davis – A-
Anthony Davis was dominant defensively and contributed on offense with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks. His presence in the paint altered numerous shots, and he was a force in the pick-and-roll. While Davis was his usual self on defense, his efficiency could have been slightly better, as he shot 9-of-18 from the field. However, his impact on both sides of the ball was undeniable, and he was a key reason the Lakers were able to secure a comfortable victory.
D’Angelo Russell – B+
D’Angelo Russell had a solid outing, scoring 18 points and adding 7 assists. His shooting was efficient, knocking down 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, but his defense still needs improvement. Russell’s ability to run the offense and set up teammates was a major asset, and he played a critical role in keeping the offense flowing smoothly throughout the game.
Austin Reaves – B
Austin Reaves continues to make a name for himself as a reliable contributor. He finished with 14 points and 4 assists. While his shooting was not as hot as some might expect (5-of-12 from the field), his court vision and energy were evident. Reaves played with confidence and was in the right place at the right time, helping the Lakers establish control early in the game.
Rui Hachimura – B
Rui Hachimura was efficient off the bench, scoring 13 points in just 20 minutes of play. He hit some key mid-range shots and brought much-needed energy when the Lakers’ starters needed a breather. His defensive effort was solid, and he made significant contributions during a crucial stretch when the Lakers were pushing their lead.
Dennis Schröder – C+
Dennis Schröder had a relatively quiet night. He contributed 8 points and 4 assists but was a non-factor for large stretches of the game. While he provided solid minutes as a backup point guard, Schröder’s scoring wasn’t as impactful, and he struggled at times to stay in front of Atlanta’s guards.
Team Overall – A-
The Lakers executed their game plan flawlessly, playing with intensity and control from start to finish. The dominant performances from LeBron and Davis, combined with steady contributions from the supporting cast, allowed the Lakers to cruise to an impressive 17-point victory. This win serves as another reminder of how dangerous this team can be when firing on all cylinders. The Lakers will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming matchups as they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot.
Grading Lakers Players After Dominant 119-102 Victory Against Hawks
