Grading Lakers Players After Dominant 119-102 Victory Against Hawks

The Lakers showcased their superstar talent as their Big Three took out the Hawks 119-102 on Friday night.

Jan 3, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) moves the ball against Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

LeBron James scored 30 points to surpass Michael Jordan as the NBA’s all-time leader in 30-point games, powering the Los Angeles Lakers to a 119-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. With his 563rd 30-point performance, James etched another milestone into his storied career by sinking an 18-foot jumper midway through the fourth quarter.

James added nine points in the final period to help Los Angeles pull away in the closing minutes of their third home game in four nights. Despite fatigue, the Lakers showed resilience and improved form, winning for the seventh time in nine games to climb into fourth place in the Western Conference. Austin Reaves contributed 20 points, and Anthony Davis dominated the glass with 18 points and 19 rebounds in his return from resting a sprained ankle.

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The Hawks stayed competitive behind Trae Young’s 33 points and nine assists, but their cold shooting from deep proved costly. Atlanta’s supporting cast, including Zaccharie Risacher, Dyson Daniels, and De’Andre Hunter, combined to shoot just 2-for-21 from beyond the arc, sealing their second straight loss midway through a six-game road trip.

The game’s turning point came in the fourth quarter when James hit back-to-back turnaround jumpers that mirrored the style of Jordan, putting the Lakers firmly in control. Even 18 turnovers couldn’t derail Los Angeles, whose recent surge has them looking like contenders.

Adding to the memorable night, Bronny James played the final 1:41 in his first game action since Dec. 8, while LeBron added another milestone by appearing in his 1,523rd career regular-season game, passing Dirk Nowitzki for fourth on the NBA’s all-time games played list. For a Lakers team gaining momentum, let’s grade the players for their performances.

LeBron James: A+
Stats: 30 PTS, 3 REB, 8 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 3 TO, 3 PF, 13-20 FG, 2-5 3PT, 2-2 FT, +4, 30 MIN

LeBron once again proved his greatness, becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in 30-point games with 30 points on an efficient 13-of-20 shooting. His ability to dominate offensively while facilitating for teammates was evident in his 8 assists. James’ clutch back-to-back turnaround jumpers in the fourth quarter not only sealed the victory but showcased shades of Michael Jordan, further cementing his legendary status. Despite only grabbing 3 rebounds, his leadership and energy were instrumental in a strong team performance.

Anthony Davis: A+
Stats: 18 PTS, 19 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL, 3 BLK, 4 TO, 2 PF, 6-17 FG, 0-2 3PT, 6-7 FT, +17, 37 MIN

Anthony Davis was a force in his return, dominating the glass with 19 rebounds and providing a defensive anchor with 3 steals and 3 blocks. While his 6-of-17 shooting was subpar, he made up for it by getting to the free-throw line and hitting 6-of-7. His 18 points and presence in the paint were critical as he played a team-high 37 minutes, leading the Lakers to a resounding victory.

Austin Reaves: B
Stats: 20 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 6 TO, 1 PF, 6-18 FG, 3-7 3PT, 5-6 FT, +18, 39 MIN

Austin Reaves scored 20 points and was active all over the court, adding 7 rebounds and 6 assists. However, his 6 turnovers and inefficient 6-of-18 shooting dampened an otherwise solid night. Reaves’ ability to step up as a secondary scorer helped ease the offensive load on LeBron and Davis, but his decision-making needs improvement moving forward.

Rui Hachimura: B
Stats: 13 PTS, 8 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 6-9 FG, 1-3 3PT, 0-1 FT, +10, 24 MIN

Hachimura provided a strong offensive spark off the bench with 13 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting while grabbing 8 rebounds. His physicality and ability to finish inside were valuable, and he contributed a block as well. While not a standout performance, Rui’s consistency and energy were crucial in maintaining the Lakers’ advantage.

Dalton Knecht: B-
Stats: 13 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 4-7 FG, 3-4 3PT, 2-2 FT, +6, 15 MIN

Dalton Knecht impressed in limited minutes, scoring 13 points on 4-of-7 shooting and knocking down 3-of-4 from deep. His ability to space the floor and hit timely shots helped extend the Lakers’ lead. While his impact was limited defensively, his offensive efficiency provided a boost off the bench.

Max Christie: C+
Stats: 9 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO, 4 PF, 3-4 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-3 FT, +14, 33 MIN

Christie had a solid night with 9 points on 3-of-4 shooting, contributing on both ends with 4 rebounds and 2 assists. However, foul trouble (4 fouls) and 2 turnovers limited his overall impact. His growing confidence in his role continues to be a positive development for the Lakers.

Dorian Finney-Smith: C+
Stats: 8 PTS, 5 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 5 PF, 3-5 FG, 2-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, +12, 23 MIN

Finney-Smith scored 8 points, hitting 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, and grabbed 5 rebounds. While his contributions were modest, he played efficient minutes and provided spacing on offense. His 5 personal fouls, however, highlighted some defensive lapses that could have been avoided.

Shake Milton: C+
Stats: 2 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, 0-3 FG, 0-2 3PT, 2-2 FT, +1, 13 MIN

Milton had a quiet game offensively with just 2 points but contributed in other ways, adding 4 rebounds and 4 assists. His 0-for-3 shooting from the field, including 0-for-2 from deep, limited his impact, but his effort on the defensive end was solid.

Cam Reddish: C
Stats: 3 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 1-2 FG, 1-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, +1, 13 MIN

Reddish played limited minutes, finishing with 3 points on 1-of-2 shooting. While he didn’t have much opportunity to leave his mark on the game, his lone 3-pointer provided a small boost. His role remains uncertain, and he will need to assert himself more in future opportunities.

Jaxson Hayes: C
Stats: 3 PTS, 1 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 1-2 FG, 0-0 3PT, 1-2 FT, 11 MIN

Hayes contributed 3 points and 1 rebound in just 11 minutes of action. While he had minimal impact on the game, he provided a brief interior presence off the bench. His limited playing time reflected the Lakers’ preference for other rotations on the night.

Bronny James: N/A
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 0-1 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, +2, 2 MIN

Bronny made his return to the court for a brief 2-minute stint, recording 1 assist but missing his only field goal attempt. Though his impact was minimal, the sight of him back on the floor was a positive moment for the Lakers and their fans.

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