Los Angeles Lakers come up short in opener; 3 takeaways

2. Lakers reserves no match for Clippers’ second unit

One of the strengths of this Clippers squad that won 48 games a season ago was the inspired play of its second unit. Unfortunately for the Los Angeles Lakers, that group was in mid-season form in this one.

Lou Williams led the reserves with 21 points (on 8-for-14 shooting) to go along with seven dimes and five boards. He finished with a plus-13. Meanwhile, Montrezl Harrell contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and he finished with a plus-15 rating — the highest mark of any player on either roster.

Overall, it was a total mismatch in the battle between the teams’ second units, as the Clippers bench outscored the Lakers reserves to the tune of 60-19, with each member of the second unit contributing double-digit outings.

What does this mean for the Lakers going forward? As great as LeBron James and Anthony Davis are, the Lakers’ bench must step up its effort if the team is going to reach its full potential.