The Lakers fell to the Miami Heat 110-96 to begin their first home stand of 2024.
The team hasn’t had many opportunities to play as a complete unit this season, and tonight they were without D’Angelo Russell because of a contusion to his tailbone, Gabe Vincent because he decided to have knee surgery, and Rui Hachimura because of a calf strain.
“Until we get healthy, we can’t find any consistency. After the game, Head Coach Darvin Ham stated, “It’s as simple as that.”
With lineup changes, the team has struggled to establish a consistent routine. While the players surrounding Anthony Davis and LeBron James have changed frequently, these two have remained mainstays, and other players have remained prepared and come off the bench.
Even without Jimmy Butler, Miami’s team managed to have every player finish in double figures. With 21 points, including four of eight triples, Tyler Herro led his team. Jaime Jacquez Jr., a rookie, trailed closely behind him with 16 points and 8 assists, while Bam Adebayo contributed 15 points and 8 rebounds.
Miami’s zone defense made things particularly tough for the Lakers and forced them to tie a franchise record for the most turnovers in a first quarter (10), even though they found more answers offensively.
Tonight, Anthony Davis finished with 29 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 blocks, and 2 steals. Davis managed to keep the Lakers in this game in spite of 21 total turnovers and 13.3% shooting from beyond the arc. Miami was outscored 60-42 by the Lakers in the paint and outrebounded.
