The Los Angeles Lakers lost a close one on Tuesday night to the Charlotte Hornets, 109-104, but head coach Luke Walton said he was really proud with not just individual efforts, but with how they played as a team. Julius Randle finished with possibly his best game of the season, 23 points, 18 rebounds and six assists, while D’Angelo Russell also had 23 points and nine assists.
Even newcomer David Nwaba, who the Lakers brought up from the D-Fenders and signed to a 10-day contract, got some time to show himself, and why he was called up for his defensive intensity.
After the game, Randle discusses how his mentality directly correlates to the type of game he had tonight, and Walton said he challenged Randle to be more aggressive. Walton says he told Randle not to focus on playmaking and instead just focus on scoring. Russell advises Randle to watch film on this game, to remind himself of the type of player they need from him every night.
Russell also suggests that the younger players may have even more of an opportunity to shine now that Lou Williams isn’t relied on in the fourth quarters. Plus, Nwaba details what was going through his mind throughout his Lakers debut.
Julius Randle
D’Angelo Russell
Luke Walton
David Nwaba
