The Los Angeles Lakers were without Anthony Davis on Sunday night as he rested with a calf strain, but they did not need him and perhaps thanks to his absence, newcomer Marc Gasol was able to have his most impactful night yet as a member of the Lakers. The Lakers dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were without Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) 127-91 on Sunday night.
The Lakers are now 2-1 on the season and LeBron James has yet to play in the final seven minutes of any of the last three games. LeBron rolled his left ankle in the first half of the game but shook it off and played until the Lakers emptied the bench with the win well in hand. James only played 26 minutes.
Kyle Kuzma led the Lakers with 20 points (3 blocks) and LeBron James had a solid game with 18 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, but much like Christmas Day will be remembered for the contributions of Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schröder, Sunday’s game will be remembered for Gasol. Gasol had 12 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and four blocks while going a perfect 4 for 4 from the field, with the Lakers depth showing in the first week of the season.
Gasol looked very comfortable both shooting the ball and creating, especially in lineups with LeBron James.
this possession omg pic.twitter.com/FeNAiq2nSx
— Grant Goldberg (@GrantGoldberg) December 28, 2020
The Lakers don’t have much time to exhale. They will face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night back at the Staples Center.
