Larry Nance Jr. and Bronny James
Wednesday night in Cleveland was an emotional one. The Los Angeles Lakers made their yearly visit, with all eyes on LeBron James. Rumors have been swirling about the 41-year-old’s future in the league, and if this would be the last trip or not. From the emotional pre-game tribute to the final whistle, things didn’t slow down.
The Lakers put up a good fight in the first half, but as soon as the third quarter began, it was all Cavaliers. Jaylon Tyson and Donovan Mitchell started to get hot, and the team was able to pull away and ultimately win by 30 points.
On the plus side for LA, Bronny James entered the game to raucous ovations and even scored eight points in the final frame.
There was a lot learned about both clubs in this game. Three major takeaways from the game can be found in the next few sections.
Major Takeaways from Cavs Win over Lakers
Any discussions on the Cavaliers side tonight have to start with Jaylon Tyson. He’s had some masterful games this season already, putting himself in the books as a serious Most Improved Player candidate. In this game specifically, he energized the team out of the halftime locker room.
He finished the day with 20 points, six rebounds and six assists, while finishing the game with a +29 net rating.
It’s become clear that Tyson is a budding star. He’s taken that next step, and can be relied upon whenever the team needs him. So, watch out before doubting a Cleveland team down Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, next time.
Takeaway number two, from the L.A. side, is that this roster cannot compete for a championship as is. DeAndre Ayton has gone through stretches of being invisible. The bench has completely lacked a scoring punch. Of course, Austin Reaves will be back soon, but therein lies the other problem.
Problem #2 with these Lakers is their defense. Luka Doncic isn’t getting many stops, and when Reaves does return, it will put the defense in a bigger bind.
They need to figure out a way to improve on that end, or any of the tougher teams in the West would be able to KO them in the opening round. A 30-point loss to a short-handed Cavs team is not going to cut it for them.
LeBron James deserves better in his potential final season.
Cavs Establishing Themselves As Serious Contenders
Their up-and-down start certainly did not endear the home fans to them. Boos were raining down at Rocket Arena for a large chunk of December and January.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have finally found their footing though, folks. Jaylon Tyson has been a dog on both sides of the ball, while MVP candidate Donovan Mitchell continues the best statistical start of his career.
An injury to Evan Mobley’s calf couldn’t stop the team from winning by 30 tonight. The return of Sam Merrill also helped, as they are 17-8 when the guard is in the lineup.
Wins like this one for Cleveland, giving them their longest streak of the season, can show the rest of the league what a team is all about. All eyes were on LeBron James in his return to the land, and as they head back to LA, every single conversation will be about the Cavaliers dominance.
Credit where it’s due to a team that is very much a contender in a wide-open East. Outside of the Detroit Pistons, no other team has been able to maintain any sort of consistency this season.
Cleveland will have their chance.