Player Grades: Lakers vs. Heat

This is far from a finished product. Head coach JJ Redick has repeatedly mentioned across the first two weeks of the season that patience is needed as a host of new faces get acclimated to the Lakers’ system.

What they’ve already proven, though, is that this is a potent offensive team. Led by Luka Dončić, this team is everything everyone imagined it would be when it comes to scoring the ball. And that comes with, again, kinks still needing to be worked out.

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But through their first eight games of the season, the Lakers’ 121.9 offensive rating leads the league. They lead the league in field goal percentage, are third in 3-point percentage and second in points per game.

It’s been a light schedule, yes, but they’ve come sprinting out of the gate as one of the league’s best offenses. And that’s pretty encouraging with work still to be done.

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.

Matisse Thybulle

19 minutes, 6 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 block, 3 fouls, 1 turnover, 2-6 FG, 2-6 3PT, +13

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Thybulle’s ability to be a point-of-attack defender slots so many other players on the team into better-suited roles defensively. He’s proven to be such a valuable asset already, so long as he stays healthy.

Grade: B

Jake LaRavia

25 minutes, 7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 5 fouls, 4 turnovers, 3-4 FG, 1-1 3PT, +20

It was certainly notable that, even with Williams back, Jake LaRavia kept his starting spot. And he has more than earned it.

Grade: B+

Walker Kessler

32 minutes, 15 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 3 fouls, 1 turnover, 7-13 FG, 1-3 FT, +16

How can a team that has both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo be so bad at the rim defensively? Kessler was gifted so many easy baskets on Monday. Wasn’t defense supposed to be Miami’s calling card?

Grade: A-

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Austin Reaves

34 minutes, 27 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 fouls, 5 turnovers, 10-15 FG, 4-5 3PT, 3-4 FT, +21

After a couple of poor showings, Austin bounced back. The turnovers were still a bit too high,…

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Publish date : 2026-11-03 06:39:00

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