Lakers' 'Others' Show Up With Statement Victory Over Nets In LeBron James' Absence

The Los Angeles Lakers' 116-103 win over the Brooklyn Nets improved their record to 3-10 for the 2022-23 NBA season and it is a win that the team desperately needs in the short term.

Much has been said about the Lakers' overdependence on LeBron James to carry them, but this game saw Anthony Davis step back in to the limelight and dominate the Nets.

The eight-time NBA All-Star led all players with a game-high 37 points while also putting up a double-double outing with 18 rebounds plus two assists.

Lonnie Walker IV also chipped in with a 25-point outing of his own and made four out of his five attempts from beyond the arc.

To support their efforts, Austin Reaves and Russell Westbrook added 15 and 14 points respectively to help secure the win.

On the Nets' side, Kevin Durant sorely needed help as a big chunk of his 31 points came from the free throw line as he made 13-of-15 with nine rebounds and seven assists in 37 minutes.

Overall, the Lakers looked very solid in their play together despite not having the services of James who was ruled out due to a strain in his left adductor.

Ball movement was the name of the game for Darvin Ham's side as they logged a total of 25 assists–12 of which came from Westbrook's efforts and Patrick Beverley helping out with five of his own.

Missing a big star like James on the squad was a much-needed test for the Lakers' so-called "others" to see where they stack up against the more established teams in the league.

Granted the Nets were without the services of Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons who were out due to suspension and knee soreness respectively, the Lakers' cadre of talent shone through in their own way–whether it was in double-teaming Durant, giving help side defense or making the extra pass.

The high post game featuring Davis fared better when Nic Claxton had to exit the game due to a left eye contusion in the third quarter, allowing Davis and whoever the ball handler was on the floor to get easy opportunities inside the paint.

The Nets put up a strong fight and even threatened to take the lead early in the fourth after closing the gap at 84-80, but they inevitably ran out of gas and the Lakers were successful in closing them out.

To say that the Lakers are ready for the playoffs would be a reach of a statement, but stringing together performances like this one are sure to help them in the long run as their big three of James, Davis and Westbrook will need them to be ready when their numbers are called upon.

Ham and his squad should do just that as they face the Cade Cunningham-less Detroit Pistons on Friday, November 18 and the San Antonio Spurs to round out their four-game homestand.