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The Los Angeles Lakers received much-needed help from the bench in their postseason career.
During the regular season, prior to the coronavirus hiatus, the Los Angeles Lakers suffered from a lack of consistency and contribution to the bench. So much so that, with the playoffs looming, GM Rob Pelinka was forced to look for some useful addition at the post-takeover bargaining deadline.
Markieff Morris turned out to be the only valuable piece available, while the Lakers had to work with JR Smith and Dion Waiters for help in the backcourt.
All three made the Los Angeles chart and the bubble seeding games gave Frank Vogel a chance to insert them into rotations and test their fit.
They were provided with fair play time and demonstrated that they could contribute in some way to the team’s cause. But what happened shortly after had not been taken into account or, at least, was not expected.
As the 2020 NBA playoffs began, the Lakers bench has suddenly been reborn. Since the Game 1 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, backup players have shown a willingness to make their mark in this postseason, doing whatever it takes to help the Lakers win the championship.
It all started with Kyle Kuzma’s 14 points despite a poor shooting night in that early Game 1. Alex Caruso continued his defense and Dwight Howard with his usual energy and effort.
From that point on, they never slowed down, giving the Lakers’ chances an unexpected boost, extending their dominance in the game when the starters are resting. In the first round, Kuzma averaged 10.8 and 4.4 rebounds, while Caruso’s defense was instrumental in limiting Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.
In the second round, everything changed even more when Rajon Rondo was finally able to step onto the court. It was time for Playoff Rondo to show up, and it did, with every type of performance on the series.
A +28 plus / minus performance, a 21 and 9 night shot over 70 percent from the field, almost a triple-double. He managed to make up for Caruso’s offensive deficiencies while the latter remained on the court to continue providing an exceptional defense. Rajon found all the ways to make an impact on the game, not forgetting his defensive effort.
Howard didn’t see the court almost at all in the small-ball series against the Houston Rockets, then it was time for Markieff Morris to step forward, and he did.
In the last two games, even rookie Talen Horton-Tucker made his debut and performed well, scoring five and nine points in less than ten minutes per game.
For the playoffs, Kyle Kuzma averages 11 points. Rondo is averaging 11 points, 4.6 rebounds, 7 assists and two steals. Caruso, Howard and Morris more than six points each.
The Los Angeles Lakers bench is first in points among surviving teams at 36.3, second in winning percentage and sixth overall in over / under. They also lead the postseason in efficiency differential.
A bit of a disappointment at the latest additions as JR Smith struggled to find a groove as Waiters was forced to sit down with a groin injury, but head coach Frank Vogel couldn’t be happier with the production he’s getting. of their unit and the way they raised their game at the biggest time of the year. This is certainly an aspect that should not be overlooked in the search for a championship, a precious element, often decisive in deciding a series.
The Rockets and Blazers shorts were easy prey for the Los Anegles Lakers bench. In the next round, however, they will face someone (be it the Los Angeles Clippers or the Denver Nuggets) with a deep roster capable of responding blow for blow. It won’t be as easy as it has been so far, and the Los Angeles substitutes will have to rise to the challenge, taking their game to another level.
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