The Los Angeles Lakers are back on the win chart, snapping their two-game losing streak after a 116-106 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. LeBron James notched his second triple-double of the season with 21 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds and Anthony Davis led all scorers with 31 points.
The Lakers had their main guys firing tonight. Austin Reaves added 20 points, and D’Angelo Russell contributed 18 off the bench for a Lakers team that remains undefeated at home, bouncing back after a challenging 1-4 road stretch. James secured his 114th career triple-double early in the final quarter, marking another milestone.
For the 76ers, Paul George managed only nine points, while Jared McCain stepped up with 18 points, though Philadelphia dropped to 1-7 after their fifth consecutive loss. Missing two of their top players, the Sixers struggled without former MVP Joel Embiid, who served the second game of a three-game suspension for an altercation with a reporter, and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey sidelined for at least two weeks due to a hamstring injury.
Let’s grade every Lakers player following their 116-106 victory tonight. Despite a late comeback from the opposition, the game was in their control in the critical moments in the second half and most wearing Purple and Gold deserve high scores as a result.
Anthony Davis – A+
Stats: 31 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 4 blocks, 2 fouls, 3 turnovers, 11-20 FG, 2-3 3PT FG, 7-8 FT, 36 mins
Anthony Davis was dominant yet again, leading all scorers with 31 points and adding 9 rebounds and 4 blocks. His defense and offensive efficiency (11-of-20 FG, 2-of-3 from deep) were instrumental in keeping the Lakers ahead. His presence in the paint on both ends was crucial, and he handled the load well, especially in the absence of Embiid for the Sixers. Quite frankly, the 76ers had no chance at stopping Davis without Embiid and the Lakers big man is heavily in the MVP conversation so far this season.
LeBron James – A
Stats: 21 points, 12 rebounds, 13 assists, 0 steals, 3 blocks, 0 fouls, 2 turnovers, 9-14 FG, 2-4 3PT FG, 1-1 FT, 34 mins
LeBron recorded his second triple-double of the season, tallying 21 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds on highly efficient shooting (9-of-14 FG). His playmaking and leadership were evident, as he kept the team’s offense flowing and secured his 114th career triple-double. LeBron’s all-around performance was key to the Lakers’ victory because he was the best all-around player on the floor and dictated the result with his high basketball IQ tonight.
Austin Reaves – A
Stats: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 1 foul, 2 turnovers, 7-13 FG, 6-10 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 30 mins
Reaves had a strong shooting night, scoring 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including an impressive 6-of-10 from three. He also contributed 6 rebounds and 7 assists, making him a crucial secondary playmaker. Reaves’ offensive output gave the Lakers the boost they needed, and his versatility helped maintain their momentum. This is the Austin Reaves the Lakers want to see for rest of the season.
D’Angelo Russell – B
Stats: 18 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 fouls, 2 turnovers, 7-12 FG, 2-4 3PT FG, 2-3 FT, 25 mins
D”Angelo Russell provided 18 points off the bench on an efficient 7-of-12 shooting, including 2-of-4 from three. This might have been the best performance of Russell’s career so far and he might be better suited to being a 6th man rather than a starter. He added 3 assists but didn’t contribute much on the defensive end. Russell’s scoring punch was valuable, although his impact beyond scoring was limited in this game.
Cam Reddish – C+
Stats: 3 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 foul, 1 turnover, 1-1 FG, 1-1 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 28 mins
Cam Reddish played 28 minutes and was efficient with his limited opportunities, scoring 3 points and adding 5 rebounds, a steal, and a block. His defense and hustle were assets, but he wasn’t heavily involved offensively. Reddish’s role was primarily supportive, and he delivered in small ways including switching well onto the 76ers shooters consistently.
Rui Hachimura – C
Stats: 9 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 5 fouls, 1 turnover, 3-8 FG, 3-6 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 33 mins
Rui Hachimura scored 9 points on 3-of-8 shooting and went 3-of-6 from three. While he was solid offensively, he struggled with fouls (5 fouls), limiting his defensive impact. Hachimura contributed with some key shots but could have been more consistent defensively. Moving his feet and arms without fouling was the major issue for Hachimura tonight and we expect a little more from him when he is on the court for 33 minutes.
Jaxson Hayes – C
Stats: 8 points, 2 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 4 blocks, 3 fouls, 0 turnovers, 3-4 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 2-2 FT, 16 mins
Jaxson Hayes played 16 minutes, scoring 8 points with 4 blocks, and showing flashes of rim protection. He only grabbed 2 rebounds, though, and picked up 3 fouls. Hayes’ limited rebounding reduced his impact, but his shot-blocking was a positive.
Gabe Vincent – D+
Stats: 2 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 3 fouls, 0 turnovers, 1-2 FG, 0-1 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 16 mins
Vincent had a quiet game, scoring just 2 points in 16 minutes. With no rebounds or assists and 3 fouls, he struggled to make an impact. Vincent’s efficiency was decent (1-of-2 FG), but his lack of production was notable considering the rest of the Lakers team had a pretty good game on both ends of the court.
Dalton Knecht – D
Stats: 2 points, 4 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 fouls, 0 turnovers, 1-8 FG, 0-5 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 16 mins
Knecht struggled with his shot, going just 1-of-8 from the field and missing all five of his three-point attempts. He did contribute 4 rebounds, but his lack of scoring and playmaking left him with a limited impact overall. Knecht will need to find his shooting rhythm to be more effective in future games.