The Los Angeles Lakers looked like they were in serious trouble for three-quarters of their first game back from the All-Star break on Friday night against the Indiana Pacers. But even as decimated as they are by injuries and health and safety protocols, made even worse on Friday after losing Alex Caruso, the defending champions reminded everyone they’re quite good at finishing.
Kyle Kuzma stepped up in a major way for the Lakers, particularly in the fourth quarter where he was 5 of 8 from the field on his way to a 24-point night to lead the Lakers. Kuzma also grabbed 13 rebounds, which has been a trend for him in terms of eating the glass.
Kyle Kuzma is a rebounding machine this season.
He leads the Lakers in rebounds since February.
He has double-digit rebounds in 5 of his last 6 games. pic.twitter.com/VpTOZ99fu4
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 13, 2021
LeBron James made some huge finishing plays as well to support the Lakers rally but they would have been done were it not for Kuzma getting the hot hand to aid their solid defense. It also helped that the Pacers made some questionable decisions in the final seconds, but the Lakers did what elite teams do and took advantage of their opponent’s mistakes.