Jessie Alcheh/NBAE via Getty Images
The Los Angeles Lakers had no trouble with the defending champions on Thursday.
The Lakers looked like the best version of themselves as they dismantled the Boston Celtics 117-96.
LeBron James led the way for Los Angeles, posting 20 points, 14 boards and six assists, showing that he’s still got his legs with a youthful dunk in the second quarter.
The Lakers went with a bigger lineup with Anthony Davis and Rui Hachimura, and it worked well for them. Davis had 24 points and eight boards, adding three blocks. Hachimura put up 10 points and seven boards.
Austin Reaves continued what has been a career season for him, posting 23 points and six assists in the win.
On defense, the Lakers did a tremendous job of containing the defending champs. Jayson Tatum had just 16 points while Jaylen Brown had 17. It was Boston’s second-lowest point total of the season.
The big win also paved the way for Lakers rookie Bronny James to see some action after fans pleaded for JJ Redick to put him in the game.
Rachel Nichols @Rachel__Nichols
After chanting for Bronny for a while, the crowd at Celtics-Lakers gets what it wants pic.twitter.com/POakj6Z9xx
After the dominant win, fans praised the Lakers for seemingly figuring things out as the halfway point of the season nears.
P Krause @LegendsEndure_
Bron recently said lakers gotta pretty much play mistake free ball to have a chance to win.. AD reiterated he’d rather play the 4 in favor of getting another legit big.. lakers sending a msg tonight they’re worthy of going all in with them frp’s.. hopefully they hold on tonight
The Lakers are now six games above .500 at 24-18, which ties the most games above .500 they’ve been this year. They’re sitting firmly in fifth place in the Western Conference and will look to continue building on their momentum against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.
