The Lakers began Las Vegas Summer League with a 96-84 win over the Thunder and looked good doing so.
Cameron Carr was getting it done on both ends and appeared too good for this level of play. Adou Thiero
had some mesmerizing dunks, and with some great defensive plays from Chris Mañon, that’s how the Lakers began their time in Nevada with a win.
The Lakers jumped out to a 9-5 advantage early on. Mañon continued to demonstrate his on-ball defense, which led to a few early turnovers by the Thunder.
OKC
countered with a 5-0 run to regain the lead. The Thunder remained hot from the field, making six of their first seven baskets. The Lakers, on the other hand, were shooting 45% from the field and were 1-5 from deep.
Carr put the Lakers back in front by drilling LA’s second three of the night with a little over three minutes left in the opening quarter.
Carr then displayed his defensive game with a pair of impressive blocks.
After one quarter of play, LA was in front 24-23.
The Lakers remained in control to start the second quarter. Peter Suder knocked down a three, and LA’s other two-way player, AK Okereke, made his first basket of the game.
Midway through the period, Anton Watson drove to the basket and scored, giving the Lakers a four-point lead.
Brooks Barnhizer had a highlight-worthy dunk for the Thunder, but then Thiero saw that and raised the stakes with a slam of his own. Moments later, he had a monster windmill dunk extending LA’s lead to nine.
At halftime, the Lakers led 53-43.
In the third quarter, LA’s dominance continued. Carr scored with ease from the elbow, and thanks to a nice putback by Hickey, the Lakers maintained their double-digit advantage.
After a pass from Thiero resulted in a three by Hickey, the Lakers were up by 15, their largest lead of the night.
The rest of the third was all LA. Carr and Thiero converted on lob dunks and the Thunder were unable to close the gap. After three quarters of play, LA was up by 20 points.
With the Lakers so far in front, the game was all but over. Fans started a “we want Bronny” chant and the rest of the contest was glorified cardio. The Thunder never went on any kind of serious run, and the Lakers earned the win.
Key Player Stats:
Carr had 18 points, and two blocks. Thiero had a team-high 20 points. Arthur Kaluma ended the night with 18 points.
The Lakers’ next game will be against the Mavericks on Saturday at 7:00 PM PT.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
