Grades for LeBron James, Austin Reaves in Lakers wins over wizards

Face the league’s worst team in Washington WizardsLakers took care of the business early and destroyed their eastern conference competition 134-96. They led by as many as 42 and scored a season high 78 points in the first half.

Midway through the first quarter, this game was past and LA never took their foot off the gas. Even with Anthony Davis out, LeBron James was able to sit the entire fourth quarter when Lakers drove to victory.

So let’s dive into the victory. As always, grades are based on expectations of each player. A “B” degree represents the average benefit of that player.

LeBron James

27 minutes, 24 points, 3 rebounds, 11 assists, 9-19 fg, 1-4 3pt, 5-5 ft, +29

LeBron had a nice bounceback game against the wizards. He distributed the ball well with 11 assists and, more importantly, had zero revenue.

His lonely three was from the logo and he had a nice dunk in the first half to give the audience energy. LeBron, who can rest in the fourth and still gather the victory, is a big plus for him and the team, as he will probably have to carry a heavier load over the next week or so with AD.

Character: B+

Rui Hachimura

26 minutes, 22 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, 9-12 fg, 4-5 3pt, +21

With 22 points and zero assists, Rui lived a hooper’s dream, just getting buckets and playing an important role for Lakers. He stepped up a big one and played an almost perfect game against His former team.

It would have been nice if Rui cleaned the glass a little more, but other than he was sensational.

Character: A+

Jaxson Hayes

25 minutes, 10 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, 4-4 fg, 2-2 ft +26

If there is a Jaxson Hayes fan club, I’m not part of it. However, he was great on Thursday against the wizards.

He stepped up in AD’s absence and played one of his best matches of the year. Hayes literally did not miss a shot, scored in double and led the team in rebounding with 10 boards.

If he can keep his mistakes under control, he can remain the starter and help Lakers finish this road trip strongly.

Character: A.

Max Christie

30 minutes, 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 4-7 fg, 3-5 3pt, 2-2 ft, +21

Christie was a star in her role Thursday. He knocked four 3-Pointers, defended well and helped Lakers get control of the game in the opening quarter.

If he continues to stack quality games like this, Christie can be one of the players you can trust to play with a baseline competence level every night. Maybe he’s already on a level right now.

Character: B+

Austin Reaves

30 minutes, 17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 6-14 fg, 4-7 3pt, 1-2 ft, +24

Reaves was much better during his tasks on the ball against the wizards and remained aggressive, looked for his shot and found the open man.

His statistics may not jump out of the page, but remember that he was sitting all fourth since the team took care of the business early.

Character: c-

Jarred Vanderbilt

16 minutes, 4 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 2-3 fg, +18

When he is clocking in 16 minutes, this is the most vando has played since he returned from an injury. Every second was wonderful with Vanderbilt, unlocked Jordan Poole, stole the ball four times and even scored a few points.

Vanderbilt delivers elite defense and size of the circumference of Lakers. It will be great when he and Dorian Finney-Smith are fully healthy and able to play as much as Laker’s head coach JJ Redick wants.

Character: A.

Dalton Knecht

22 minutes, 10 points, 1 rebound, 3-9 fg, 2-7 3pt, 2-2 ft, +13

I’m not selling my Dalton Knecht stock, but I’m talking less about it these days. He scored eight points in garbage in the fourth and still got exposed during this blowout victory.

These bad games are part of rookie -growing pain, but he has been tough to see for a while now.

Character: c-

Shake Milton

28 minutes, 21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 7-8 fg, 1-2 3pt, 6-6 +25

This was easy Milton’s best game as a varnish. He was a certified bucket, scored 21 points, missing only one shot and went perfectly from the charity stripe. This is not what he usually wants to do, but he can definitely play at an elite level occasionally.

Fortunately for Lakers, he brought this energy on the road and it helped them win the victory.

Character: A+

Trey Jemison III

18 minutes, 4 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 2-6 fg, +12

It was a surprise to see Jemison become so much running, but he brought a specific edge to the game. He was vocal, aggressive and fought for rebounds.

His violation was a bit suspected, but given his limited time with Lakers and as a two -way player, he made it okay in his first long stint.

Character: B.

Bronny James

12 minutes, 5 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1-6 fg, 0-2 3pt, 3-3 ft, +3

Victory Cigar Bronny played throughout the fourth, and the road fans gave him love, as if he were a basketball legend who played his last game ever in Washington. In reality, he took too many shots and was largely ineffective, but it was garbage time and the basket he did was fun to watch go in.

These situations are good for bronny to get some NBAreps, but ideally he plays very little when something is at stake.

Character: C.

Christian Koloko

Koloko did not play enough to warrant a character. Redick chose to give Jemison a longer look and it removed every chance for him to play minutes that matter.

JJ Redick

It’s hard to find complaints when a team wins so easily so I don’t want to nitpick Redick. It is interesting that Cam Reddish didn’t see any time at all. He seems to be a better player than bronny and is the only active player who doesn’t touch the floor of this game. Minus that Redick was big and his players stepped up and took care of things early.

Character: A+

Thursday’s Inactivates: Anthony Davis, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Armel Traore, Gabe Vincent, Dorian Finney-Smith, Christian Wood

You can follow Edwin on Twitter on @ECREATES88.