The Los Angeles Lakers topped the Charlotte Hornets 120-101 in front of an animated STAPLES Center crowd on Sunday. The win came behind season-high performances in points and rebounds by both Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard.
“I think this is probably the best representation that our team, our fanbase, has seen from [Davis] in a Lakers uniform,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel stated,
Anthony Davis notched his first double-double as a Laker as he led the team with a 29 point performance and added 14 rebounds with three assists and three blocks. Davis’ impact on the court was two-sided. He would throw down the hammer on one end then hurry back on defense and grab a rebound or block a shot.
“His greatest skillset is his versatility, his ability to do everything,” Vogel said of Davis.
LeBron James had a slow start scoring the ball against the Hornets. His first two points did not come until the second quarter on two made free throws with 1:40 left in the first half. He was still a major contributor in his playmaking as he dished out eight first-half assists and continued to feed Davis in the paint.
Davis’ defensive efforts translated to efficiency on offense for the Lakers who made over half of their shots in the first half (52.1%).
“I try to be aggressive,” started Davis. “I just try and come out and be aggressive and I try to tell [LeBron] to do the same thing. I think that’s what makes us so great, that we have guys around us that can score the basketball as well.”
For the second straight game, Vogel made substitutions in the third quarter to include Dwight Howard and Alex Caruso for JaVale McGee and Avery Bradley respectively in the lineup.
Howard contributed 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks off the bench for Los Angeles. What did not show up on the stat sheet, however, was the reaction Laker fans had to Howard over the course of the game as he snagged rebounds and wagged his finger towards the crowd after high-flying blocks.
LeBron James on Dwight Howard: “I think it means a lot for him to be back on the floor. He’s been a big contributor, especially tonight.”
— Lauren A. Jones (@LoJoMedia) October 28, 2019
“It’s great,” Howard responded. “I think myself and the fans have been through a lot together, but just to be back here man, it means a lot.”
This is the second straight game that Howard has replaced JaVale McGee’s minutes in the fourth quarter at the center position. Howard has taken full advantage.
“Every second, every minute on the court is valuable and our fans enjoy when we go out there and put everything on the line, so I’m just trying to bring that energy and that effort and intensity every night.”
Vogel said that the production of Howard and Alex Caruso are “creating good problems” for him with managing minutes.
Frank Vogel on inserting Alex Caruso in 2nd half: You start with plan A, we know what he did for us last game. We threw him in there and he produced. He played outstanding particularly on the defensive end. He’s creating a lot of great problems for me.
— Lauren A. Jones (@LoJoMedia) October 28, 2019
Six players for Los Angeles ended the game in double-figures including Kentatvious Caldwell-Pope, who had previously scored one point through two games to start the season.
“I just wanted to free my mind and play basketball,” Pope shared with media after the game.
KCP discusses his recent shooting woes: “Tonight, I just wanted to free my mind and play basketball.” pic.twitter.com/uqGdAjdFGe
— Lauren A. Jones (@LoJoMedia) October 28, 2019
The Lakers put together their best offensive game against the Hornets after shooting 52.7 percent on the game. The team will look to build on their two-game winning streak as Los Angeles takes on the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.
