Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Recap March 1, 2023

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 123-117 in an entertaining contest between two teams. Dennis Schroder led the way for the Lakers with 26 points and six assists, while Troy Brown Jr. added 19 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting.

The Thunder's rookie sensation Josh Giddey continued his impressive form with 22 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists. Jalen Williams contributed 24 points, seven assists, and three steals, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Lakers.

The game was neck-and-neck with both teams exchanging leads throughout the game. However, the Lakers pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring the Thunder 33-24 to hold on and secure the victory.

One of the key factors in the Lakers' win was their bench production. Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker IV combined for 32 points off the bench, providing valuable scoring and energy to the team.

The Lakers were missing several key players, including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D'Angelo Russell, but they managed to find a way to win despite their depleted roster. The win improves their record to 30-33, while the Thunder fall to 28-34.

February 28, 2023 Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies Recap

The Memphis Grizzlies took down the Los Angeles Lakers 121-109 in a hard-fought battle, where Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with a season-high 39 points. Although the Lakers managed to keep the game close in the first half, the Grizzlies took control in the second half and sealed the deal with a convincing victory.

Despite missing LeBron James due to injury, the Lakers started the game strong with Anthony Davis putting up 28 points and 19 rebounds. However, the rest of the team struggled with poor shooting, including Troy Brown Jr., who shot 1-8 from the field, and Jarred Vanderbilt, who only scored four points.

In contrast, the Grizzlies had a balanced attack, with four players scoring in double figures. Along with Morant's stellar performance, Xavier Tillman had a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 16 points. Desmond Bane provided a spark off the bench, scoring 16 points and contributing four steals.

Although the Lakers had some bright spots with Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker IV scoring 17 and 21 points, respectively, it was not enough to overcome the Grizzlies. The Lakers dropped to a record of 29-33 with this loss.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies continued to impress with their victory over the Lakers, improving their record to 37-23 and maintaining their spot at the top of the Southwest division. With Morant leading the charge, the Grizzlies are looking like a dangerous team heading into the playoffs, with Tillman and Jackson Jr. providing solid contributions in the frontcourt.

February 26, 2023 Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks Recap

The Lakers were able to come out with a win over the Mavericks with a final score of 111-108. Despite a slow start, the Lakers managed to come back in the second half and secure the victory after being down 27 points.

Anthony Davis had a dominant performance with 30 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks. LeBron James also had a solid showing with 26 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Jarred Vanderbilt made the most of his start, contributing 15 points and 17 rebounds. Dennis Schroder rounded out the Lakers' top scorers with 16 points and eight assists.

On the other side, Luka Doncic had a strong game for the Mavericks, putting up 26 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Kyrie Irving added 21 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Christian Wood was productive off the bench with 14 points and nine rebounds, while Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 17 points.

The Lakers shot 43.3% from the field, 17.6% from beyond the arc, and 75.0% from the free-throw line. The Mavericks shot 42.3% from the field, 36.4% from beyond the arc, and 62.5% from the free-throw line.

The Lakers' win keeps them in playoff contention if they can continue winning, but they will also need some luck on their side just to get a shot, as their record is currently 29-32.

Spero Dedes Q&A

First off, sorry for the lack of updates. I've been extremely busy lately with multiple things going on at the same time, and I am way behind. Anyway, check out the good chat with Lakers radio play-by-play commentator Spero Dedes at this link. I will try to get updated on here when I get a chance.

Radio DJs Say Magic Johnson Is Faking AIDS

Radio DJs Chris Baker and Langdon Perry of Minneapolis, Minnesota radio station KTLK said during their radio show that they thought that former Los Angeles Lakers great Magic Johnson is faking AIDS. When on the discussion of diseases, the conversation went like this:

Perry: “Like Magic with his faked AIDS. Magic faked AIDS.”
Baker: “You think Magic faked AIDS for sympathy?”
Perry: “I’m convinced that Magic faked AIDS.”
Baker: “Me too.”

Just a horrible accusation if you ask me. While Magic says that he doesn't want them fired, I believe that they need to be fired for what they said.

In other news, Dwyane Mitchell has been waived from the team.

Also, for those that didn't see the second preseason game Thursday night, here's the recap and box score.