On January 8, the Lakers beat the Hawks 134-118 at home, James had 32 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks, and Westbrook had 9 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists. The Lakers role players have done a great job. Bradley had 21 points and 6 rebounds, Munch had 29 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, Anthony had 17 points and 7 rebounds, and Tucker Jr. contributed 21 points and 5 assists. The Lakers' four big players combined to have 88 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists.
The Lakers have won four straight games, and the team's record is 21 wins and 19 losses. Coach Vogel continues to use five small lineups – Westbrook, Bradley, Munch, Stanley Johnson and James.
This battle is very poor, only 4 of 14 shots, but his rebounds and assists are the first in the team, and the plus-minus value of +22 is also the first in the team. James didn't feel good in the first half, but he made a lot of effort in the second half, shooting 13-of-24 from the field, 1-of-6 from three-point range and 5-of-5 from the free throw line.
Munch took the lead in this game for the Lakers, and he once again cut 20+ and shot 7-of-12 from three-point range. Munch has scored 20+ in 3 consecutive games, and his cooperation with James is very tacit. James played block demolition, can and Munch for exquisite cooperation, Munch blocking and dismantling, find the vacancy, James passed the ball, he received the ball and shot three points, this battle has been repeatedly effective.
After Anthony Davis was injured and sidelined, Munch became the Lakers' third fire point and even recently surpassed Westbrook.
Bradley also made a difference, his contract turned to a guarantee contract, and the 3D tough guy showed his energy in this battle, shooting 4-of-7 from three-point range. Bradley's individual defensive ability is excellent, he can also change defenses, and he has become a very reliable piece of the puzzle for the Lakers' starting lineup.
Anthony scored 17 points on the bench and made 4-of-7 three-pointers. Melons don't need to threaten at the crucial moment of the final quarter, because by the time the game is about 5 minutes left, the suspense has been lost. The Lakers replaced Howard and Bazemore. The Lakers play a small lineup, and in the regular rotation lineup, this game does not play a center.
Tucker Jr.'s recovery is great news for the Lakers, Tucker is the fourth-highest-paid player in the Lakers' lineup, his form has been ups and downs, but in the last two games his form has rebounded, this game scored 21 points, and on January 5, the Kings scored 19 points.
The Lakers have now formed a certain chemistry, and the pressure on James and Westbrook has been reduced a lot, which is a good opportunity to continue to improve the record and ranking.
For the Lakers' recent winning streak,
James explained why: "Our players are all coming back, it's that simple. Soon we'll see Nunn return, and it won't be long after that AD will also return. James meant that now the Lakers' roster is in order.