The Lakers’ season-opening win over the Warriors to kick off the franchise’s Luka Doncic period went about as properly as could’ve been expected.
Doncic, in addition to Walker Kessler and Austin Reaves, dominated the workforce’s in-state rival, with the Lakers’ “Big 3” combining for 77 factors, 21 rebounds, 14 assists, 5 steals and three blocked photographs.
The “nasty” protection Kessler spoke about confirmed up in the center two quarters, with the Warriors combining for just 35 factors in the second and third intervals after the Lakers allowed 33 factors in the first.
The largest hiccup for the Lakers during a night time that didn’t function many of them: A scary harm second involving a key participant on the roster.
Jake LaRavia (12) was having a sturdy season opener before leaving with an harm. NBAE via Getty Images
Midway through the fourth, with the Lakers up by 33 factors, Jake LaRavia tried to drive into the paint with LJ Cryer guarding him.
Cryer impeded the drive, with the 2022 first-round draft decide awkwardly twisting his proper ankle/decrease leg before hobbling and falling to the ground.
LaRavia laid on the court docket and writhed in ache before workforce trainers helped him back to the bench.
Jake LaRavia (12) of the Los Angeles Lakers arrives to the enviornment before a recreation. NBAE via Getty Images
He was in a position to put weight on the leg before going back to the locker room after subbing out of the recreation.
While coach JJ Redick didn’t have an replace on LaRavia instantly after the recreation, he was inspired about his standing in contrast to how it felt in the rapid aftermath of the harm.
“I’m probably more positive than when it first happened,” Redick said. “But again. he’ll be evaluated. And the next time I talk to you guys, we’ll have an update.”
Jake LaRavia’s spectacular preseason carried over into the common season. NBAE via Getty Images
LaRavia was having a sturdy recreation before going down with the harm, scoring 10 factors on 4 of 5 taking pictures off of the bench.
“I saw him being himself,” Redick said. “Again when he is shooting with confidence and making catch-and-shoot 3s, that’s an added bonus. We have a group of guys that do a lot of things to impact winning that don’t necessarily show up in the box score, certainly won’t show up in a highlight reel on Instagram. He’s a winning player.”
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