The Los Angeles Lakers are off to an incredible start, going 3-0 in their first three games! First, they took down the Minnesota Timberwolves on opening night, followed by wins over the Phoenix Suns and the Sacramento Kings. It’s a huge boost for the Lakers early in the season, but of course, the job’s not done—79 games still lie ahead. I predicted the Lakers would win 52 games this season, and so far, they’re on pace. Maybe they’ll go 82-0 (just kidding!).
Beating Sacramento, especially in the second game of a back-to-back, was impressive. Initially, I thought it would be a tough loss, especially given how Sacramento has played us tough in recent years, but the Lakers came through. Even with a new coach and system, the team looked sharp and executed their schemes well.
I’ve got to shout out our head coach, J.J. Redick. He’s been a difference-maker with his obsessive attention to detail and preparation, like reviewing game tape while sitting in a car wash! That’s the kind of dedication we need, and it showed with the in-game adjustments and overall execution. Against the Kings, the Lakers started the fourth quarter on a 14-0 run and dominated down the stretch. Anthony Davis, LeBron, and the entire squad stepped up.
Speaking of Davis, it was great to see him finally get over the hump against Domantas Sabonis, a player he’s struggled against in the past. But the key to this win was the collective effort—Russell, Rui, and Reeves all had big games alongside AD and LeBron. Everyone contributed.
Now, Austin Reeves has been another bright spot. While he had a slow start to the season, he’s bounced back in the last two games, hitting shots and playing excellent defense. His ability to shoot opens up the rest of his game, allowing him to attack the defense and create opportunities for his teammates. I’ve been critical of him at times, but only because I know what he’s capable of, and he’s showing that now.
Looking ahead, the Lakers still have room to grow, but this team looks strong. D’Angelo Russell has started to come around too, and we’ll need him to keep hitting shots and playing decent defense. The chemistry is building, and if the Lakers can stay consistent, this could be a special season.