On Monday, we discussed how the Lakers were entering a critical stretch of games that could make or break the quest to, at minimum, maintain the nine seed in the play-in standings, if not actually rise higher. Why? Because most of these games, starting with tonight's against Atlanta, are against bad opponents. Thus, it was critical to immediately bag a win. Well, 136-105 over the Hawks certainly fits that bill.
Just as importantly, Anthony Davis returned to the lineup after leaving Saturday's loss to the Warriors with an eye injury. He'd been listed as questionable leading up to the game, and there had been some worries about whether, at minimum, he wouldn't be able to suit up for his one. Instead, he dominated to the tune of 22/15/6. In the meantime, D'Angelo Russell's 27 points featured six made threes, tying him with Nick Van Exel for the franchise's single season for record three-pointers. Throw in nice performances from LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves and Max Christie, and the Lakers cruised to victory.
What to make it of all moving forward? Andy talks with special guest Claire de lune (@Clairempls), who covers the NBA for The Guardian.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, special guest Claire de lune.
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get an easy but critical win over the Hawks.
SEGMENT 2: D'Angelo Russell ties a Lakers franchise record, indicative of a storm he's weathered.
SEGMENT 3: Claire has some issues with how the Lakers are covered in the national media. We discuss.
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