The Los Angeles Lakers started their season with a 110-103 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The win was fueled by center Anthony Davis who led all players with 36 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks. Late in the game, Lakers fans chanted “MVP” for Davis when he went to make free throws. He went 13-15 from the charity stripe. Davis noted that his dominant game play was “carry over from the Olympics.”
With 4 minutes left in the second quarter, LeBron and Bronny James take the court pic.twitter.com/9CVUiPxkkM
— Amanda Scurlock (@Amandtastic) October 23, 2024
“I’ve been in a summer that I got to play basketball. My body is feeling good,” Davis said. “That was the main point of playing at a high level [and] high intensity with some great competition alongside some great players who made me better, learning from them guys.”
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura poured in 18 points, five rebounds and two steals. His toughness and hustle helped keep the T-Wolves at bay.
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“I was trying to be more aggressive,” Hachimura said. “I can be the screener, I can be in the corner.”
The coaching staff has been creating systems that his tailored to the strengths of the players. For Hachimura, they want him to grab boards. He noted how working on the offensive glass is his next step.
“I think that’s key for me,” Hachimura said. “If I get the rebounds, I can push the ball and all that so I can get into rhythm.”
It was another milestone night for the NBA all time leading scorer LeBron James who took the floor with his son Bronny late in the second quarter. When the two were subbed in the game, they became the first father-son duo in the NBA.
“I think that was my first win on opening night as a Laker,” James said. “The moment I woke up, I saw my daughter before she went to school. Went to work, saw my son at work … Great moments for Lakers Nation.”
Bronny admitted to being somewhat anxious leading up to getting in the game. The jitters went away as he played.
“I tried not to focus on everything that’s going on around me and try to focus on going in as a rookie and not trying to mess up,” Bronny said. “I totally feel the energy and I appreciate the Lakers Nation for showing support for me and my dad.”
James contributed 16 points, five rebounds and four assists; guard Austin Reaves scored 12 points and nine rebounds. Center Jaxson Hayes gave 10 points.
The Lakers will face the Phoenix Suns on Friday, October 25 at 7:00P.M.
