On January 1, Beijing time, in an NBA regular season game that ended today, the Lakers won 139-106 over the Blazers, avoiding 2 consecutive losses, and this time the Lakers did not repeat the mistakes of the last defeat, firmly stabilized the situation in the lead, and did not give the Blazers the opportunity to turn the tables like they did with the Grizzlies.
Most of the praise of this game went to Lakers star LeBron James, and he did deserve any praise, the whole game, James played 29 minutes, 16 of 26, including 5 of 10 three-pointers, 6 of 9 from the free throw line, 43 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks, and set a dazzling series of records. There is no doubt that James, who started the fifth position, once again showed his dominant strength and proved that he is still one of the best players in the league.
But in fact, this game the Lakers can be said to be a soldier for all, everyone's play is very good, among which it is very important to pay attention to, is the Lakers' temporary worker Stanley Johnson, the previous Lakers signed with a 10-day short contract forward, this game became the Lakers' start, the whole game played 23 minutes, 4 shots 3 got 10 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, plus-minus as high as +25, and he was very active on the court, and finally fought to 6 fouls to leave, after the game even Lakers coach Vogel could not help but praise him.
Speaking of Stanley Johnson, Vogel praised Johnson for providing the team with faster pace when he packed Damian Lillard. Asked about the aspects that like Johnson, Vogel said: "I like his physical confrontation, he's not only faster, but very strong. As Vogel said, Johnson delivers what the Lakers have always wanted, flexible and fast steps, tough physical confrontation and defense, and there is no doubt that he is the fresh blood that the Lakers have always needed on the front.
Although the Lakers' front line this season seems to be full of personnel, but James, Ariza, Anthony and other people are too old after all, it is difficult to continue to contribute energy on the defensive end, Davis is injured continuously, the Lakers actually lack a forward player who can defend and can do dirty work, and now, Johnson is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate. The Lakers have just completed a deal for Rondo and are expected to find a way to free up a position soon to officially sign Johnson.
And the current situation, once again proves how outrageous Pelinka's operation in the offseason, when seeing Johnson being treated as a treasure by the Lakers coach and constantly praised by James, you know how eager they are for front-line players, but in the offseason, the Lakers are desperately trying to introduce defenders, resulting in the current team of defenders gathered, and the real need for forward players is seriously insufficient, part of the reason why the Lakers are struggling this season is that their lineup is too deformed, Sometimes there is even a strange lineup of 4 defenders or 5 defenders on the field, which is a completely suicidal combination.
So now, many fans are hoping that the Lakers can keep Johnson, after all, in several games with the Lakers, his performance is really good, averaging 8.3 points, 3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game, shooting 52.4%, although the three-point shooting rate is worse, but in the end it is dare to fight. It should be noted that Johnson was the 8th pick genius in 2015, at least later the team did not cultivate him, but his talent is absolutely no problem, and around James and others, maybe he will continue to bring surprises.