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After an exhausting, long NBA season, it was nice to go about Sunday’s game stress-free. There were some stakes involved as the Lakers could still finish either the third or fourth seed.
However, LA pretty quickly took control of the game and moved into cruise control as early as the start of the second half. From there, it was a fun half of the younger guys getting some run and shining with an eye kept on the Nuggets and Spurs.
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At the end of the day, the Lakers won going away while the Nuggets took care of the Spurs, sealing LA into a match-up with the Rockets in the first round.
So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
LeBron James
17 minutes, 18 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 4 turnovers, 6-15 FG, 0-3 3PT, 6-7 FT, +14
It was a nice first half for LeBron, who got to the line repeatedly to help get the Lakers ahead so that he could sit out the second half.
Grade: B+
Rui Hachimura
29 minutes, 22 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 fouls, 8-12 FG, 3-5 3PT, 3-4 FT, +19
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Rui has been in quite the groove heading into the playoffs, highlighted by finishing the regular season strong. Also, TEN rebounds?!?
Grade: A
Deandre Ayton
26 minutes, 22 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks, 1 foul, 10-14 FG, 2-2 FT, +13
Another player heading into the postseason with momentum is Ayton, who also recorded a double-double on Sunday.
Grade: A
Marcus Smart
26 minutes, 5 points, 2 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 3 fouls, 1-7 FG, 1-5 3PT, 2-2 FT, +13
The Lakers are going to need Smart in the playoffs, so it was nice to see him get some minutes again after his lengthy injury break. And he was being quite the facilitator as well.
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Grade: B+
Luke Kennard
11 minutes, 3 points, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 1 foul, 1-1 FG, 1-2 FT, +8
This was a much-needed easy night for Kennard, who has suddenly become a very important player for the Lakers.
Grade: B-
Bronny James
19 minutes, 11 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 foul, 4-7 FG, 3-4 3PT, +13
How much fun has it been to watch Bronny develop…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/player-grades-lakers-vs-jazz-051345221.html
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Publish date : 2026-04-13 05:13:00
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