The 2023-24 preseason schedule is nearing its end, as the Los Angeles Lakers took the court at Crypto.com Arena to play the new-look Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. It was Damian Lillard’s debut with Milwaukee, and although he struggled offensively, his teammates picked up the slack.
The Lakers took an eight-point first-quarter lead, but after that, things were ugly for them. For one of the few times this exhibition season, they had major problems finding the basket, as they shot a frigid 37.8 percent from the field and 26.5 percent from 3-point range.
Perhaps one reason for those struggles was the fact that LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino didn’t play. In addition, head coach Darvin Ham went with Christian Wood, Max Christie, Jaxson Hayes, Scottie Pippen Jr. and Cam Reddish to start the third quarter, and his regulars barely played after halftime.
Los Angeles tried to make a late run, but it wasn’t enough, as the team lost, 108-97. One deficiency that stood out was rebounding — the Lakers were outrebounded 54-47 and gave up offensive boards in bunches, especially in the first three quarters.
Anthony Davis looks like he's in midseason form
Davis definitely came out to play on Sunday. He played 19 minutes, all of them in the first half, and scored 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting to go along with seven rebounds and five assists, leading the Lakers in all three categories.
He is also getting things done on the defensive end, as he added two steals and two blocked shots versus Milwaukee.
The Lakers are looking to Davis to show more leadership moving forward. The best way to lead is by example, and he has been doing exactly that.
Jaxson Hayes flashed his potential
In four previous NBA seasons, Hayes, a 6-foot-11 big man who has pogo-stick legs, has shown the ability to be a strong shot-blocker and a solid rebounder, but he hasn’t put it all together yet. On Sunday, he showed everyone the type of player he is capable of being.
In 17 minutes, he scored seven points, grabbed six rebounds and blocked three shots, which included a spectacular denial of a Bobby Portis Jr. shot attempt near the rim. He also contributed in an area one wouldn’t expect him to by dishing off four assists.
Colin Castleton showed some promise
Some feel L.A. still lacks legitimate big man depth as far as a defensive-minded center who will do the hard work that adds up to big results. But it may have such a player on its roster in Castleton, an undrafted rookie it signed early in the summer.
During summer league play, he looked soft at times on the boards. But he has improved in that area, and on Sunday, he fought for rebounds on both ends of the floor while ending up with five boards in just 12 minutes. He also contributed three blocked shots, one steal and four points.
It is too early to expect Castleton to get any meaningful playing time this season. Playing in the G League may be his best bet right now (he’s on a two-way contract), and if his work ethic and desire are high, he may turn into another diamond in the rough for the Purple and Gold.
