NBA PRESEASON: MACCABI VS LAKERS
Live Streaming & Full Game Replay
Where: Staples Center.
When: Thursday October 11, 2015
Russell's Staples Center debut went wonderfully, with the rookie dishing out 11 assists. He hit shooters in rhythm, made some amazing individual passes and ran the offense beautifully as he got back into action. D'Angelo played off the bench, logged 18 minutes, and showed why his passing talents alone can alter how the Lakers' offense performs.
It wasn't just D'Angelo impressing, though. Kobe Bryant shot lights out from beyond the arc, making four of his six attempts -- both misses seemingly heat checks -- while logging 21 points in just 18 minutes. Roy Hibbert made his seven-foot-plus frame felt, pulling down 16 rebounds and even adding in five assists of his own. Roy's no-look pass to Julius Randle, and the fact that he walked away as soon as the pass left his hands, was a thing of beauty.
Maccabi Haifa looked completely outclassed, which should have been the case based on the talent on each team, but it was nice to see the Lakers take care of business. Whether it was Ryan Kelly (3-for-3 from deep) picking them apart from downtown, or Randle banging bodies as he nearly notched a double-double (14 points, 9 rebounds), Los Angeles could do no wrong.
The Lakers are back in action on Tuesday in Las Vegas where they'll face the Sacramento Kings. A big win like this could help build some momentum after three-straight losses to start preseason.