The Lakers got a big win against the Thunder for the second time this season despite a loss. This time it wasn't a frustrating loss to the Wolves as part of a four-game losing streak that ended the Lakers, but it was a string of consecutive losses to the Suns and Jazz as the team continues to falter that they have snapped.
And just like last time, it was a balanced attack that put them on top: six players scored in double figures and the team tallied 31 assists on 44 goals.
So let's evaluate the victory. As always, grades are based on each player's expectations. The grade “B” represents the average performance of that player.
Taurian prince
31 minutes, 3 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1-6 FG, 1-5 3PT, -1
There were very few bad performances from the Lakers that night, but Prince had one of them. The strange thing about him is that he's a perfectly good 3-point shooter at just a tad under 40%, and yet he never feels comfortable catching and shooting 3-pointers. These moments of hesitation and pump fakes always throw him and the team out of rhythm.
Grade: D
Lebron James
39 minutes, 25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 12-20 FG, 1-2 3PT, 0-1 FT, +2
LeBron looked rejuvenated on Monday, which is what you would hope for. I also don't think it's a coincidence that having D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves around him also helped him, as he was seen cutting off the ball several times.
No more of this LeBron on PG stuff. Put the ball handling around him.
Grade: B+
Anthony Davis
38 minutes, 27 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 9-17 FG, 0-1 3PT, 9-10 FT, +8
Something about the Thunder really gets AD going. He has been very energetic in every game this year and has made it his mission to establish himself early by getting Chet Holmgren into early foul trouble.
During times when the Lakers faltered defensively, it was still AD flying around or working for the boards. His energy level was high after that performance against Utah.
Grade: A-
Austin Reaves
33 minutes, 15 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 block, 6-10 FG, 1-3 3PT, 2-2 FT, +9
An energetic performance from Reaves in this game, especially in the third quarter where he scored nine of his 15 points. Overall, the Lakers were really damn good in the third quarter.
As our friend Raj pointed out, the presence of D'Lo, LeBron and AD around him puts Reaves back in the liaison role and makes him extremely valuable once again. I don't know why we had to come to Game 41 to come back to this, but to this point…
Grade: A
D'Angelo Russell
36 minutes, 14 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 5-12 FG, 2-7 3PT, 2-2 FT, +3
Look, D'Lo has struggled a bit this season like everyone else, but to get back to him, Reaves, LeBron and AD now, the step has to be moving forward. This group is very familiar and while there are obvious concerns in the playoffs we saw against Denver, it's gotten to the point where they need to get wins to get into the playoffs before we'll worry about it.
Plus, without even counting today's game, the Lakers are 7.8 points better per 100 possessions when D'Lo is on the court or not this season. Just play it.
Grade B
Max Christie
11 minutes, 1 rebound, 0-2 FG, 0-1 3PT, +5
This is a big challenge for Max. Before the game, Darvin Ham said that he would remain in the starting lineup for a while. Cam Reddish will be out for several games. When you put the pieces together, it seems like minutes will soon be difficult to come by, so Christie needs to prove he's someone you need on the floor.
He didn't do that on Monday, but that decision probably shouldn't be judged by any impact on the game either. The game scores are, however, so…
Grade: D
Rui Hachimura
20 minutes, 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, 5-8 FG, 2-3 3PT, +6
In the second half, Rui seemed to have found his rhythm again. He made all four shots, both three-pointers, and was part of the group that took the lead.
This seems like a really good place for Rui. His minutes can go up or down depending on LeBron or Taurean. It's also no coincidence that the Lakers looked their best in the second half when he found his groove.
Grade: B+
Jarred Vanderbilt
18 minutes, 5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 2-2 FG, 1-1 FT, +5
Vando appears to be back to himself and is making the type of impactful plays he was known for last year.
With Rui and Vando able to make an impact and win games off the bench, this team's goal was to start the season. Please just let her stay healthy.
Grade B
Christian Wood
14 minutes, 11 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks, 4-7 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-2 FT, -2
It's really impressive what a big impact wood can have in such a short time. His rebounding really stood out tonight, but that could be because the Thunder had so many offensive rebounds. There is currently no debate about what value he brings to this team.
Grade: B+
DNPs from Monday: Jaxson Hayes, Skylar Mays, Dylan Windler
Inactive on Monday: Colin Castleton, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Maxwell Lewis, Cam Reddish, Gabe Vincent
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.
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