Los Angeles Lakers: Three things we learned in Lakers' first win

Los Angeles Lakers: Three things we learned in Lakers’ first win

By Jason Reed | Oct 25, 2018

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 131-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. JaVale McGee’s hot start might not be a fluke

Nobody really thought much of the Los Angeles Lakers signing JaVale McGee to a one-year contract this summer. The deal made sense, the Lakers needed depth at center while remaining flexible in cap space for next summer. With those parameters in place, there really was not much outside of McGee.

Initially, McGee’s biggest purpose seemed to be rebounding and rim protection while also serving as a nice insightful piece to help LeBron and the Lakers figure out how to beat his former team, the Golden State Warriors.

Thus far this season, McGee has been much more than a prototypical rim protector and rebounder. He has been a legitimate scoring threat through four games and has been the team’s defensive anchor.

Against the Suns, McGee scored 20 points on 8-13 shooting with six rebounds, a steal and four blocks. His +22 plus/minus was the best of anyone on the team and his 20 points moves him to 16.3 points per game this year.

McGee will not keep up this high of production for a long period of time but he has sure proven he is much more than a depth signing.

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