SAN FRANCISCO — Practically every week in the past, Lakers coach JJ Redick and LeBron James spoke concerning the margins of the sport, the issues that assist present cushion and canopy for a workforce when it’s not good. Each stated, internally, there weren’t nice choices for the Lakers to increase these margins.
In some methods, solely an enormous roster reconstruction would repair the issue. James will at all times be 40. Anthony Davis will at all times have his points in transition protection due to the best way he crashes towards the ring. The Lakers will at all times lose the mathematical battle due to their decrease quantity of three-point makes an attempt.
However on Saturday, one participant confirmed in his first 12 minutes of the season that he may present the Lakers with slightly extra room for error.
Jarred Vanderbilt, out since Feb. 1 due to foot accidents, checked in in the course of the second quarter of the Lakers’ 118-108 win over the Golden State Warriors and instantly made an influence, offering the Lakers with a much-needed increase solely his distinctive talent set can present.
Vanderbilt’s solely bucket got here on an offensive rebound, however he had three steals and 4 rebounds, extending possessions on the offensive finish and shutting them out on the defensive aspect.
It was these little issues he offered that stood out because the Lakers turned in one other 48 minutes of excellent basketball to win their third straight sport.
Vanderbilt’s contributions proved invaluable for a Lakers workforce that was compelled to make Rui Hachimura a late scratch due to a calf harm.
Max Christie and Gabe Vincent, two different gamers tasked with serving to the Lakers with the little issues, defended Stephen Curry splendidly, limiting the Warriors star to 13 factors on four-for-17 taking pictures, lacking all eight of his second-half makes an attempt.
Davis dominated Golden State’s depleted frontcourt, which was lacking Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Inexperienced, for 36 factors and 13 rebounds. James had 25 and 12 assists and Austin Reaves had 16 factors and 7 assists.
The Lakers proceed their Grammy journey Monday in Charlotte.
