Lakers' Frank Vogel Hopes Russell Westbrook Improves After Benching vs. Knicks
Feb 6, 2022
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel is shown during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel benched point guard Russell Westbrook for the extra session of their 122-115 home win over the New York Knicks on Saturday.
After the game, Vogel was asked about the response that he hoped the benching would lead to.
"Hopefully, the response is that player plays better," Vogel told reporters.
Westbrook had five points on 1-of-10 shooting, six assists, four rebounds and four turnovers in 29 minutes. He finished with a team-worst minus-15.
Over the final five-and-a-half minutes of regulation, Westbrook did not register any statistics outside a missed three-pointer and a pair of missed free throws.
Once overtime started, Talen Horton-Tucker took over in the extra session.
The Lakers landed Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star and 2016-17 NBA MVP, in a blockbuster deal with the Washington Wizards last offseason. He was supposed to force a big three with Anthony Davis and LeBron James, and that trio appeared to have championship-level potential.
However, Davis and James have both missed extended time with injuries, and Westbrook has had an up-and-down campaign. Of note, his 15.5 player efficiency rating is the lowest of his career since his rookie season in 2008-09.
Westbrook has shown signs of his past, but his struggles have been prevalent. He was also benched late in the Lakers' 111-104 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Jan. 20.
We'll see if Westbrook bounces back strong soon as the Lakers will welcome the Milwaukee Bucks into town on Tuesday.
LeBron James Urges Lakers Players to Have 'Accountability' After OT Win vs. Knicks
Feb 6, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 5: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers high fives Trevor Ariza #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game against the New York Knicks on February 5, 2022 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is urging his team to have accountability following its 122-115 overtime win against the New York Knicks on Saturday.
When asked by ESPN's Malika Andrews about how the Lakers can replicate their second half and overtime success moving forward, James replied:
“It’s all about taking accountability for your own actions every game… If you want change you have to look yourself in the mirror and demand more out of yourself and it’ll trick down to the rest of the ball club.”
How do the Lakers go up from here? “It’s all about taking accountability for your own actions every game… If you want change you have to look yourself in the mirror and demand more out of yourself and it’ll trick down to the rest of the ball club.” Interview with LeBron James: pic.twitter.com/LaU2V30TUs
James returned to the Lakers' lineup after a five-game absence because of knee injury. The 37-year-old was electric in a 21-point comeback win, scoring 29 points with 13 rebounds and 10 assists in 40 minutes.
The Knicks dominated the Lakers in the first half, heading into halftime with a 15-point lead. However, the Lakers found their rhythm after the break, outscoring the Knicks 31-13 in the third quarter thanks to an offensive outburst from Malik Monk, who finished with 29 points.
But while L.A. entered the fourth quarter with an eight-point lead, Knicks star R.J. Barrett tied things up with less than 10 seconds remaining. James had one final look and the opportunity to win the game, but missed the shot, which sent the contest to overtime.
The Lakers desperately needed James back in the lineup after going 1-4 in the games he missed. However, even when James has been in the lineup, Frank Vogel's side has been inconsistent.
The Purple and Gold have struggled to a 26-28 record this season and sit ninth in the Western Conference. The team has mostly been slowed by injuries, but the offseason roster shakeups have done anything but benefit the franchise.
Russell Westbrook hasn't lived up to expectations since arriving at L.A. following a trade from the Washington Wizards. In Saturday's game against the Knicks, he had just five points, four rebounds and six assists.
Westbrook has struggled so much this season that Lakers fans booed him after an awful miss on a midrange shot during the second quarter of Saturday's game when the team was down 58-39.
When the Lakers traded for Westbrook, team president Jeanie Buss admitted that it was a challenge to fill out the rest of the roster because of his $44.2 million cap hit for the 2021-22 campaign.
So, the team signed Monk, Carmelo Anthony, Trevor Ariza, Dwight Howard, Wayne Ellington and Kent Bazemore to one-year deals. To this point, only Anthony and Monk have proved to be decent additions, providing solid contributions off the bench.
If the Lakers want to make the postseason, it's going to take a full team effort, and with James now further emphasizing accountability to his teammates, things should hopefully improve from here.
Lakers Beat Julius Randle, Knicks in OT Behind LeBron James Triple-Double
Feb 6, 2022
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron Jame, left, shoots as New York Knicks guard Quentin Grimes defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LeBron James returned after a five-game absence to drop a 29-point, 13-rebound, 10-assist triple-double and lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 122-115 home overtime win against the New York Knickson Saturday at Crypto.com Arena.
James, who had been out withswelling in his left knee, played 40 minutesandshot 13-of-24 from the field. He helped the Lakers overcome a 21-point first-half deficit en route to the win.
Malik Monk matched James' scoring total and hit four three-pointers along the way. Anthony Davis dominated on both ends with 28 points, 17 rebounds, four blocks and three steals.
Russell Westbrook struggled, scoring just five points on 1-of-10 shooting. Head coach Frank Vogel benched him in overtime.
Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony (hamstring) was sidelined for this game.
Knicks wing RJ Barrett led all players with 36 points and 50 minutes of court time. He scored the final five points in regulation, including a three-pointer with 8.7 seconds left, to force OT.
Julius Randle added 32 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists.
The 26-28 Lakers have won two of their last three games. The 24-29 Knicks have lost five of their last six games and eight of their last 10.
The Lakers' backs were against the wall after a first half that saw Barrett and Randle combine for 41 points for a 71-56 New York lead. It was an inexplicable start for a Lakers team playing at home with all three of their star players on the court against a reeling Knicks squad.
However, the Lakers stormed back in the second half behind the trio of James, Davis and Monk.
Monk scored 18 third-quarter points as the Knicks, who led 71-56 at halftime, somehow fell behind 87-84 going into the fourth.
The shooting guard drilled a corner three to cut New York's lead to 79-78 after a full-court Westbrook pass:
In the fourth, James dropped 10 points. He muscled his way into the paint for one bucket, getting past most of the Knicks defense for a layup and a 96-93 lead:
AD kept crushing it on the glass. He outworked Knicks defenders down low as well, grabbing an offensive board and putting it back for a 105-97 advantage.
James' energy was clearly evident in overtime, as he turned on the jets to corral a loose ball and slam it home for the overtime period's first bucket.
The Lakers never trailed again, and James eventually found Trevor Ariza for his 10th assist and a three-pointer that put L.A. up 120-113 with just over one minute left.
LeBron finds Trevor Ariza for the CLUTCH corner three for his 10th assist of the night and a triple-double 🏀
This certainly wasn't easy for the Lakers, and Westbrook may have just played his worst game of the year. However, a win is a win for L.A. at this juncture as it fights just to make the playoffs.
Randle, RJ Not Enough as Knicks Fall in OT
In a battle of reeling teams, it appeared the Knicks would easily come out on top after virtuoso performances from Barrett and Randle.
Barrett scored 17 points in his first eight-and-a-half minutes, shooting 6-of-7 along the way. With 3:30 left in the first quarter, he found himself outscoring the entire Lakers team, 17-16.
The rest of the Knicks matched him, though, so the Knicks led 34-16 at that point before polishing off a 42-point quarter.
New York kept the pace up in the second quarter and led by as many as 21 after an Evan Fournier bucket.
Meanwhile, Randle looked like his 2020-21 self. He's struggled this season after an All-Star campaign last year, but Randle showcased his top form Saturday.
That proved to be the Knicks' final highlight as the Lakers held them off in overtime, but Barrett's phenomenal performance plus Randle turning back the clock are certainly positives for New York to take away from this one.
What's Next?
The Knicks will continue their five-game Western Conference road swing with a matchup against the Utah Jazz on Monday at 9 p.m. ET.
L.A. will welcome the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks into town on Tuesday at 10 p.m ET.
LeBron James Exquisite Rookie Cavaliers Jersey Patch Card Sells for $1.4M at Auction
Feb 6, 2022
SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at Arco Arena on October 29, 2003 in Sacramento, California. The Kings defeated the Cavaliers 106-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Copyright 2003 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
While Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was taking the court against the New York Knicks on Saturday, one of his rookie cards hit nearly $1.4 million at auction.
The final cost for a 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection rookie patch autograph insert of James closed at $1.392 million through Goldin Auctions.
The overall card had a near-mint-plus grade of 8.5, and James' autograph alone was graded at a perfect 10.
This card has quickly become the crown jewel of the trading card market. Last April, another version of the rookie sold for a record-setting $5.2 million.
The title now belongs to Stephen Curry after a one-of-a-kind rookie auto of the Golden State Warriors star went for $5.9 million.
Lakers' Dwight Howard Out vs. Knicks, Considered Day-to-Day Because of Back Injury
Feb 6, 2022
SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 14: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 14, 2021 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers ruled center Dwight Howard out for their home game against the New York Knicks on Saturday after his back tightened up during pregame warmups.
ESPN's Dave McMenamin relayed the news on Howard, who is considered day-to-day.
Howard signed on for his third stint with the Lakers in August. He earned an All-Star appearance while with L.A. during the 2012-13 campaign and played a key depth role during the team's journey to the 2020 NBA championship. He spent last season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
He's averaged 5.2 points and 5.4 rebounds across 37 games so far during the 2021-22 season.
Although the 36-year-old Atlanta native had a few years derailed by injury, most notably 2018-19 with the Washington Wizards when he was limited to nine games, he's remained mostly durable throughout his 18-year career. He's played at least 69 games in 14 seasons.
DeAndre Jordan figures to receive an even larger share of the minutes at center whenever Howard is unavailable.
The Lakers overhauled their roster in the offseason. While the end result was plenty of talent in the backcourt and on the wing, there's less depth in terms of traditional post players, which means Howard's absence will be felt in certain matchups if he's out for an extended period of time.
L.A.'s next game is Tuesday at home against the Milwaukee Bucks.
LeBron James to Return for Lakers vs. Knicks After Missing 5 Games with Knee Injury
Feb 6, 2022
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 28: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the sideline during the first half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 28, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will return for Saturday's game against the New York Knicks following a five-game absence because of knee soreness and swelling, per The Athletic's Shams Charania.
The news comes after head coach Frank Vogel told reporters James would test out his knee during warmups and would be a game-time decision.
James hasn't played since a Jan. 25 win over the Brooklyn Nets because of the knee ailment. Up until Saturday, there hadn't been many signs of progress
James was one of the most durable players in the NBA through his career with the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers. However, he's struggled to stay healthy since joining the Lakers.
The four-time NBA champion appeared in just 45 games during the 2020-21 season because of several injuries. During his first season with the Purple and Gold, he played 55 games and in his second season he appeared in 67.
For comparison, James played at least 70 games in 13 of his first 15 seasons in the NBA.
Getting James back into the lineup will be huge for the Lakers, who have gone 1-4 in the five games the veteran has missed. The 37-year-old is amid one of his best seasons in L.A., averaging 29.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting 52.2 percent from the floor and 35.2 percent from deep.
With James finally ready to take the floor, the Lakers will look to improve upon their 25-28 record and rise in the Western Conference standings before it becomes too late.
Lakers Rumors: Carmelo Anthony Expected to Miss Knicks Game with Hamstring Injury
Feb 5, 2022
Los Angeles Lakers' Carmelo Anthony in action during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, in Philadelphia. The 76ers won 105-87. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony is expected to miss Saturday's game against the New York Knicks after suffering a hamstring injury during Thursday night's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
ESPN Sources: Lakers F Carmelo Anthony is expected to miss Saturday’s game vs. the Knicks (ABC, 8:30 PM ET), which would give him four days of rest before re-evaluating his strained right hamstring ahead of Tuesday’s game vs. Milwaukee.
The 37-year-old Anthony is in the midst of his first season with the Lakers and his 19th NBA season overall.
To date, Anthony is averaging 13.4 points per game on 43.7 percent shooting from the field during his first season in purple and gold.
While Anthony isn't one of the Lakers' core players, losing him for any period of time would hurt the team in terms of its offensive production off the bench.
With LeBron James already nursing a knee injury, the Lakers will lean on Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook to shoulder the scoring load alongside rotational wings Malik Monk, Stanley Johnson, Talen Horton-Tucker and Austin Reaves.
Clippers' Marcus Morris Shades Lakers, 76ers: 'Both of Them Teams Is Pretty Average'
Feb 4, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 3: Marcus Morris Sr. #8 of the LA Clippers smiles during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 3, 2022 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Clippers forward Marcus
Morris Sr. said he wasn't impressed with the Los Angeles Lakers or
the Philadelphia 76ers during their recent matchups.
Morris and the Clippers scored a
111-110 win over the rival Lakers on Thursday night and previously
knocked off the Sixers, 102-101 on Jan. 21, despite playing without
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
"I mean s--t, both of them teams
is pretty average from what I have seen. Like I don't see them just
being great teams," Morris said, per ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuJJ6uQokv4
The Clippers (27-27) have managed to
stay afloat in the Western Conference playoff race while holding out
hope Leonard and George will be able to return before season's end.
In fairness to the Lakers and Sixers,
their rosters haven't been at full strength for much of the season
either.
Los Angeles (25-28) has dealt with
injury absences for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, which further
disrupted the team's effort to build chemistry after a significant
roster overhaul.
Philadelphia (31-20) has played well
despite the continued absence of Ben Simmons, who's focused on his
mental health while awaiting a potential trade.
Yet at least in the eyes of ESPN's
Basketball Power Index, Morris' comment may have some merit. Philly
is 12th in that ranking, while L.A. is 17th. The Clippers at 15th.
That would put all three teams within that "pretty average" realm.
Of course, the only thing that
ultimately matters is how far each team advances in the playoffs and
that will be heavily depend on which roster is closest to full
strength.
Morris' remarks would surely add a
little heat to a potential Lakers vs. Clippers in the West's play-in
tournament, though.
Lakers Rumors: Carmelo Anthony Expected to Be Day-to-Day with Hamstring Injury
Feb 4, 2022
Los Angeles Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony (7) brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony reportedly avoided a serious injury during Thursday's 111-110 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, there is "optimism" Anthony will be day-to-day with a strained hamstring.
The injury occurred in the second quarter when Anthony appeared to wince in pain on his way down after taking a jumper. Head coach Frank Vogel called for timeout soon after and subbed in Stanley Johnson.
Anthony went to the locker room and didn't return to the game. He scored seven points in 11 minutes prior to the injury.
The Lakers have been hampered by injuries throughout the season. LeBron James has already missed 17 games, including five straight with a knee injury.
Appearing on Bally Sports' The Rally, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium said there is "hope" that James can return in the next few days.
Anthony Davis recently returned after missing five weeks with a sprained MCL. He has scored at least 27 points in four straight games.
Anthony is one of the few Lakers who hasn't had a significant injury issue this season. The 10-time All-Star has been a valuable role player off the bench, averaging 13.4 points per game on 39.2 percent three-point shooting.
The Lakers have lost four of their past five games and are currently ninth in the Western Conference with a 25-28 record. They will host the New York Knicks on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Clippers Defeat Anthony Davis, Lakers with LeBron James, Paul George Out Injured
Feb 4, 2022
Los Angeles Lakers guard Malik Monk, right, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers center Serge Ibaka, left, defends while forward Anthony Davis stands by during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 111-110 on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena for their third win in the last five games behind Reggie Jackson's go-ahead layup with 4.1 seconds remaining in regulation.
Jackson's spinning lay-in capped off a frantic back-and-forth sequence at the end of regulation that featured a pair of lead changes and an Anthony Davis runner that nearly handed the Lakers the win at the final buzzer.
The Lakers were once again without LeBron James, who is dealing with a knee injury. However, Davis and Russell Westbrook powered the team in his absence. The Clippers remained without their two best players in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George due to injury.
The Lakers and Clippers were once the premier teams in the Western Conference, but with injuries continuing to ravage both squads, they both could be headed for a spot in the play-in round. Thursday's result could end up having big implications for both teams moving forward.
No Leonard. No George. No problem for Ibaka, who lit up the Lakers on Thursday night for his best game of the season.
The 32-year-old finished with a season-high 20 points in addition to nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. It was also his first game with at least 20 points since Feb. 14, 2021, when he put up 21 points in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
For comparison, Ibaka entered Thursday's contest averaging just 6.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and one assist per game. However, to be fair, it appears the veteran might be beginning to heat up.
In a loss to the Indiana Pacers on Monday, Ibaka also put up double digits, finishing with 14 points in addition to 11 rebounds, one steal and two blocks.
Before Monday's game, Ibaka hadn't reached double digits since a Jan. 15 loss to the Sacramento Kings when he notched 10 points.
Ibaka has been mentioned in trade rumors leading up to the Feb. 10 deadline. According to The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, the Clippers are reportedly willing to move a combination of veterans for an upgrade at point guard, including players like Ibaka.
Based on his performance against the Lakers, it's hard to imagine the Clippers moving on from Ibaka. However, he'll become a free agent after this season, so there's always the possibility he could be moved.
Lakers' Injury Woes Continue with Carmelo Anthony's Exit
The Lakers have dealt with injuries to several key players throughout the 2021-22 campaign. James is already sidelined, and now it appears Anthony, who has been great off the bench, could miss a few games.
The 37-year-old exited Thursday's game just before halftime after tweaking his right hamstring while going up for a shot. He exited after putting up seven points, two rebounds and a block in 11 minutes.
Carmelo Anthony (right hamstring strain) is out for the remainder of tonight's game https://t.co/Pw8fzP82X1
It's a really unfortunate injury for both Anthony and the Lakers. The veteran had one of his best games of the season Wednesday against the Portland Trail Blazers, putting up 24 points, two rebounds and two blocks. He was hoping to build off that momentum moving forward, especially with James sidelined.
Anthony has been a solid depth piece for L.A. this season, entering Thursday's game averaging 13.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 43.7 percent from the floor and 38.9 percent from deep.
The Lakers will have to dig deep on the bench if Anthony misses any time. Kent Bazemore, Stanley Johnson, Malik Monk, Austin Reaves and Talen Horton-Tucker could all see more playing time.
With Anthony sidelined, Monk particularly stood out, finishing with 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. They Lakers will need him to keep that energy moving forward, especially if James and Davis remain out.
What's Next?
The Lakers will host the New York Knicks on Saturday, while the Clippers will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.
