Sir Charles in Charge
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LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo set to square off in marquee matchup between Lakers-Bucks

By Daniel Outerbridge

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 08: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on April 08, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 08: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on April 08, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James (Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports) /

About the Los Angeles Lakers

This team still has to improve and get better despite playing good basketball as of late. Darvin Ham appears to have his team locked in and focused as everyone seems to have adjusted and is comfortable within their roles.

Russell Westbrook has been the subject of criticism and trade rumors since the season tipped off but his numbers are right where they should be for a team’s 3rd option. While he’s no longer the walking triple-double threat who we are used to seeing on a game-to-game basis, Westbrook is scoring 15 points per game to go along with 5.2 rebounds and 7.2 assists.

It’s easy to point the finger and blame Westbrook for the Lakers’ failures but you can’t argue with the numbers even though he does need to improve on his shooting percentages and not committing turnovers.

The Lakers have also been hampered by injuries as both LeBron James and Anthony Davis have had to miss games. The Lakers are 3-1 since James has returned and it’s evident how he gets everyone involved in the flow of the offense and understands when he needs to take over a game. It’s still difficult to fathom the thought of a 38-year-old doing the things that James is doing as he is winning his battle with Father Time for the moment.

Davis has been more aggressive on both sides of the ball and deserves more credit for what he does for his team. A healthy Davis is the key to the Lakers’ success. As long as he is healthy, he is more than capable of putting the team on his back and leading the way.

Los Angeles Laker to watch: Austin Reaves

Reaves has been a pleasant surprise this season as he has made many key plays for this team. His scoring has increased as the season has progressed and his teammates have confidence in him to create plays. He deserves more playing time and should even garner consideration to be inserted into the starting lineup.

Over Reaves’s last nine games he has averaged 15.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 61.6 percent from the field, 46.4 percent from behind the arc, and 92.7 percent from the charity stripe. Reaves is truly an underrated talent and the perfect role player to complement James and Davis.

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