Nothing like playing the Wizards to make a team look elite. Los Angeles destroyed Washington on Friday night, with Luka Dončić ending the first half with a triple-double.
The Lakers’ offense was too much for the Wizards to handle, and the game quickly got out of hand.
Long term, there’s not much to take away from this game beyond the Wizards being bad and the Lakers being better.
So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average
performance for that player.
LeBron James
30 minutes, 20 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 1 foul, 8-16 FG, 2-3 3PT, 2-2 FT, +25
I would say LeBron turned back the clock with this performance, but really, he was reminding us that he can do this whenever he wants.
James was zipping around the court, and he had some dazzling dunks that quickly turned this contest into a Lakers home game in Washington.
Thanks to LeBron, the result was secure before the third quarter began.
Grade: A
Luka Dončić
31 minutes, 37 points, 11 rebounds, 13 assists, 3 steals, 5 turnovers, 13-21 FG, 6-13 3PT, 5-7 FT, +21
Luka was an offensive monster in Washington. He obliterated the Wizards. His most impressive basket was a bank shot 3-pointer that left the crowd gasping in amazement.
This was about as good a game as Luka could’ve had.
Grade: A+
Deandre Ayton
29 minutes, 28 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks, 1 turnover, 12-14 FG, 4-4 FT, +30
Ayton scored LA’s first points of this game, and it was a precursor of things to come. He stayed aggressive the rest of the way, ending the night with 28 points.
It was also good to see Ayton register three blocks and zero fouls in this game. Ayton had a plus-minus of +30, which was the best on the Lakers.
Grade: A+
Marcus Smart
27 minutes, 3 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, 1 steal, 4 turnovers, 1 foul, 1-2 FG, 1-2 3PT, +21
While many Lakers played well, Smart was rather pedestrian in this one. He had a few ill-advised passes that led to turnovers and provided little to nothing offensively.
In this blowout win, his defensive tenacity was minimized because the Lakers were just outscoring the Wizards, especially in the second half. Even so, Smart should’ve played better.
Grade: D
Jake LaRavia
25 minutes, 3 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 block, 2 fouls, 1-3 FG, 0-2 3PT, 1-2 FT, +24
Austin Reaves, please come back.
Grade: D
Jaxson Hayes
14 minutes, 10 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 4-5 FG, 2-2 FT, -3
Hayes played his role well, scoring inside and being a ball of offensive energy off the bench. He had some nice dunks and will showcase that skill as a participant in the Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star weekend.
Grade: B+
Gabe Vincent
18 minutes, 6 points, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 2-5 FG, 2-5 3PT, +3
Vincent passed up a wide-open layup to pass the ball to LaRavia for a corner 3-pointer. LaRavia missed and that was the most memorable moment for Vincent in this game.
Grade: C-
Rui Hachimura
18 minutes, 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, 1 foul, 3-5 FG, 2-3 3PT, 3-6 FT, -2
Hachimura did well with the opportunities he was given in Washington. He knocked down a couple of threes and was an efficient scorer.
Grade: B-
Jarred Vanderbilt
16 minutes, 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals, 1 foul, 3-5 FG, 1-2 3PT, 1-2 FT, +7
Vando was a defensive disruptor and an overall positive for the Lakers. His offensive possessions are always going to be an adventure, but he was more good than bad in this game.
Grade: B
Drew Timme
17 minutes, 4 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 turnover, 2 fouls, 1-2 FG, 0-1 3PT, 2-2 FT, +17
Timme gives LA a two-big lineup that Lakers head coach JJ Redick can go to. He didn’t necessarily shine in this game, but he can stretch the floor a little and always brings the energy.
Grade: C-
Bronny James, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht
This trio only played in garbage time, so they will not receive a grade.
JJ Redick
The Lakers won this game easily, and Redick deserves credit for that. Sure, LA fell asleep in the third quarter, but he called timeouts to try to regain control. Yes, the Wizards still won that period, but it wasn’t a disaster, and he was able to empty the bench midway through the fourth, giving his starters some much-needed rest.
Grade: B+
Friday’s inactives: Adou Thiero, Chris Mañon, Austin Reaves, Nick Smith Jr.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
