Los Angeles Lakers: Five takeaways from the first five games

By Jason Reed | Oct 26, 2018

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 24: Lonzo Ball #2 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers high five during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns 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 /

2. The Los Angeles Lakers found something in JaVale McGee

Every player will have a good stretch of games. A reserve player could come out for a week and look like a surefire all-star. Remember when Jeremy Lin took the NBA by storm and then slowly faded back into being an average NBA player?

With that in mind, it is important to not overreact over one player having a good stretch of games. And even though we just admitted that it is bad to overreact, it is hard not to overreact to how JaVale McGee is playing.

McGee has been far more productive than all of us expected and has been borderline dominant in the first five games this season. The veteran center is averaging 17.2 points, seven rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game.

Will McGee average these numbers throughout the season? Absolutely not. However, McGee fits so nicely in this fast-paced offense and will continue being this productive as he stays on the receiving end of LeBron James’ assists.

It is not crazy to think that McGee could average 13-15 points and 7-9 rebounds per game. The blocks won’t be as high, however, he has averaged two blocks per game four times in his career.

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