Hawks, Hornets, Heat and Atlanta again, the Lakers chain successes with a smile. Place it in the year 2023 or LeBron’s birthday, but one thing’s for sure, the mood is very positive right now this side of Los Angeles.
He’s sure facing the Hawks is a pretty good plan lately.
Knowing that Trae Young’s band is completely disjointed, we have to take advantage of that. And that’s exactly what Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and company did this Friday, handily dispatching the Hawks. However, with the recent news coming out of the infirmary, no Austin Reaves, no Lonnie Walker, no Anthony Davis of course.
But one thing has been noticed in recent days on the side of the Lakers, and the credit goes to Darvin Ham and his staff. Despite the absences, the players remain ready, and try to fight at all costs. Inner revelation to the point of completely forgetting Damian Jones, this good Thomas Bryant delights and tonight he gave him a layer (19 points, 13 rebounds). Playing muscle and emotion with Russ, the giant pummeled his entry racket late in the game, leaving Kendrick Nunn (23 points) and Dennis Schröder (21 points) to join the dance.
There was no match. Yes, because two teams are needed to play a game, and the Hawks weren’t present. Selfless, atrocious to watch, Nate McMillan’s men didn’t look like they wanted to be in California tonight. A couch would have done better, as we saw the Lakers lead by over 20 points in the first period. Despite a heatstroke from Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, hopes won’t last long for an Atlanta team unable to defend themselves. Penetration after penetration, LeBron and company will abuse to maintain their lead and walk away with the win.
The fourth consecutive victory, and this invincibility of 2023 that extends by another day.
The mood is good on the Lakers side, as a rumor of an exclusive LeBron interview with ESPN has surfaced. If we are ultimately entitled to more ego boosting than franchise tearing down, the tension remains and is eased by these kinds of victories. With one month to go until the trade deadline, you could hardly ask for anything better.
Now, will this beautiful phase, linked in particular to the opponents, be modified by the difficulty of the program to come? Among the next Kings, Mavs, Nuggets and Sixers, there is no shortage of tests. As long as Wenyen Gabriel and his gang keep getting high together, who knows? Perhaps the series will continue, for now however the fans are enjoying it while there is still time.
Evenings like this, Lakers fans have long dreamed of. Easy win, LeBron all smiles, collective effort and rest for the executives, good weather in 2023 in Los Angeles. Finally in this corner of Los Angeles.
