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The Los Angeles Lakers turned to young players for comeback victory

By Michael Dugger

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 25: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.Ê (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 25: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.Ê (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers rode a lineup full of young players to overcome a fourth quarter lead and eventually defeat the Washington Wizards 102-99, in overtime.

With 7:45 remaining in the fourth quarter, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope entered the game for Josh Hart and the Los Angeles Lakers trailing the Washington Wizards, 83-73. KCP joined Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Julius Randle on the court for the best version of small-ball you will see from the Lakers this season.

Donning Minneapolis Lakers throwback jerseys, the Lakers outscored the Wizards 29-16 the rest of the game, relying on a lineup with an average age of 21.4 years old that included two rookies. Ingram tied the game with 0.7 seconds remaining in the fourth after tipping in his own missed shot. KCP gave the Lakers a 100-99 lead in overtime before Randle finished the game off with a press-beating slam.

This stretch of basketball was the best defense the Lakers have played throughout the first four games. All five players were active, and the collective length of the group bothered Washington offensively, posting a 30.4 effective field goal percentage against this lineup. The Wizards missed some open looks, but KCP and Ingram made things difficult for John Wall and Bradley Beal.

The big takeaway defensively was how well Randle controlled the paint and defended individually when switched onto guards. Randle was flying around on the court, putting his leaner physique on display while maintaining the strength to battle with Marcin Gortat in the paint. He blocked three shots on the night, all on John Wall, including a potential game-winner in overtime.

Offensively, the extra space created by the Kuzma-Randle frontcourt opened up driving lanes for teammates, and created drive and kick opportunities for 3-point shots. The Lakers went 4-of-12 from deep with this group, and finished with a 50.0 effective field goal percentage.

Ingram led all Lakers with 19 points, with Kuzma and KCP not far behind with 15 and 14 points respectively. Randle had 11 points as Lonzo finished with six points.

The main takeaway from this lineup was how comfortable everybody was in their roles offensively, and how each player’s game fits well with each other.

Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images
Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images /

Lonzo wants to get teammates involved (10 assists) and pick his spots offensively; not shoot 20-plus times a night. Randle is best doing the little things, not worrying about creating for others. Kuzma and Ingram embrace shouldering the scoring load, and KCP can spot up and attack the extra space.

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Randle made a big 3-point shot to cut the lead to one with 20 seconds remaining, which preceded Ingram’s game-tying bucket. Having Randle set hard screens and spot up on the perimeter simplifies the game for him, allowing him to focus on other aspects of the game like defense and rebounding.

Speaking of rebounding, these five collectively attacked the boards, posting a 61.5 rebounding percentage without giving up a single offensive rebound over 12-plus minutes. Defensive effort and controlling the glass were the major reasons the Lakers won this game. Forcing tough shots and not allowing second chances is a good way to give yourself a chance to stage an overcome a double-digit deficit.

Not to be outdone by his fellow young Lakers was Larry Nance Jr., who matched a career high 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting. He added to the well-balanced rebounding effort with 10 of his own, and scored the first two baskets of the game by tipping in shots off misses, taking advantage of his matchup in the starting lineup over Kelly Oubre Jr. and Otto Porter Jr.

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Despite Nance Jr.’s big night, the main takeaway from the game is how well the closing lineup played. They were an entertaining 5-man group last night that I’d love to see share the court together more often. They form a lineup that aligns perfectly with the modern game as long as their defensive effort, from Randle in particular, can stay at this high level.

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