LA Sports Hub
Fansided

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

By Jason Reed

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)
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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Lance Stephenson is great for occasional great games

The biggest story coming out of the Los Angeles Lakers first win this season is how good Lance Stephenson was for LA. Not only was Stephenson great coming off the bench for the Lakers, but he was also the most productive player on the floor on Wednesday night and even outplayed LeBron James.

Who would have thought that in 2018 we would see Lance Stephenson lead the Lakers of all teams while LeBron James is also on the roster? Nobody.

Stephenson finished the night with 23 points on 10-14 shooting to go alongside eight rebounds and eight assists. He nearly recorded the triple-double despite only playing 25 minutes in the contest.

This obviously will not be a common trend with Lance Stephenson but also proves that he is much more than someone that comes in and causes havoc, which is what I thought his biggest role on this Lakers team was.

Instead, Stephenson is a reliable veteran option coming off the bench that LeBron James knows he can rely on late in games in crunch time. With that dynamic, Stephenson is due for some big games here and there, sprinkled into a season that will be filled with great situational basketball.

He might not be the most purely talented guy but Stephenson will be one of the go-to guys off the bench.

Home/Los Angeles Lakers