BREAKING: Grading Lakers Players After Easy 134-96 Victory Against Struggling Wizards

The Lakers had seven players score double-digits in Anthony Davis’ absence to dismantle the struggling Wizards 134-96.

Jan 29, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket as Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) defends in the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

LeBron James put on a show before taking the final quarter off as the Los Angeles Lakers cruised to a dominant 134-96 victory over the lowly Washington Wizards on Thursday night.

James finished with 24 points and 11 assists, helping the Lakers secure their most lopsided win of the season.

With the game well in hand, Los Angeles rested its superstar in the fourth quarter, allowing his son, Bronny James, to take the floor and delight the crowd.

Bronny played the entire final period, scoring a career-high five points, including a driving layup and an and-one free throw that had fans chanting his name long before he checked in.

Even without Anthony Davis, who sat out with an abdominal muscle strain, the Lakers controlled the game from start to finish. They built a commanding 78-45 halftime lead, the most points Washington has allowed in the first half all season.

Los Angeles has now won five of its last six games, bouncing back from a disappointing loss in Philadelphia earlier in the week.

The game’s lopsided nature led to a rare moment late in the fourth quarter when rookie Dalton Knecht was ejected after receiving two technical fouls for arguing. Still, the Lakers maintained focus and closed out an effortless win.

Meanwhile, the Wizards, led by Jordan Poole’s 19 points, tied a franchise record with their 16th consecutive loss—marking the second time this season they have dropped that many in a row.

LeBron James: A

Stats: 24 PTS, 3 REB (0 OREB, 3 DREB), 11 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 9-19 FG, 1-4 3PT, 5-5 FT, +29, 27 MIN

LeBron led the Lakers with a dominant performance, finishing with 24 points and 11 assists in just 27 minutes. He controlled the offense masterfully, efficiently facilitating for his teammates while scoring at will. His 9-of-19 shooting wasn’t his sharpest, but he made up for it by getting to the free-throw line (5-of-5) and limiting mistakes with zero turnovers. His +29 plus/minus showcased his massive impact, and with the game well in hand, he got to rest the entire fourth quarter.

Rui Hachimura: B+

Stats: 22 PTS, 4 REB (0 OREB, 4 DREB), 0 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, 9-12 FG, 4-5 3PT, 0-0 FT, +21, 26 MIN

Hachimura was highly efficient, scoring 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. He provided strong scoring support, taking advantage of open looks and mismatches. While he didn’t contribute much in other areas (just 4 rebounds and no assists), his offensive firepower was crucial in building the Lakers’ early lead. His +21 plus/minus reflected his impact on the floor.

Shake Milton: B+

Stats: 21 PTS, 4 REB (1 OREB, 3 DREB), 4 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 7-8 FG, 1-2 3PT, 6-6 FT, +25, 28 MIN

Milton had an outstanding game off the bench, scoring 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting while adding 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. His ability to create his own shot and finish efficiently made him a valuable asset in this blowout win. He also hit all six of his free throws, showing composure at the line. His +25 plus/minus further demonstrated his well-rounded performance.

Austin Rauves: B+

Stats: 17 PTS, 6 REB (0 OREB, 6 DREB), 5 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 1 PF, 6-14 FG, 4-7 3PT, 1-2 FT, +24, 30 MIN

Reaves played a solid all-around game, contributing 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. He was active from beyond the arc, shooting 4-of-7 from three, and made plays for his teammates with his usual high basketball IQ. His efficiency could have been better (6-of-14 FG), but his playmaking and rebounding helped keep the Lakers in control. His +24 plus/minus was one of the best on the team.

Max Christie: B

Stats: 13 PTS, 4 REB (0 OREB, 4 DREB), 3 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 4 PF, 4-7 FG, 3-5 3PT, 2-2 FT, +21, 30 MIN

Christie had a strong two-way performance, scoring 13 points on 4-of-7 shooting while adding 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal. He knocked down 3-of-5 from deep, continuing to show improvement in his outside shot. Though he picked up four fouls, he played a disciplined and effective role, finishing with a +21 plus/minus.

Jaxson Hayes: B

Stats: 10 PTS, 10 REB (2 OREB, 8 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 3 BLK, 3 TO, 4 PF, 4-4 FG, 0-0 3PT, 2-2 FT, +26, 25 MIN

Hayes recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds while adding 3 blocks and 2 assists. He was perfect from the field (4-of-4) and provided strong rim protection. However, his 3 turnovers and 4 fouls were areas for improvement. Still, his +26 plus/minus showed that he was a positive force inside for the Lakers.

Jarred Vanderbilt: C+

Stats: 4 PTS, 7 REB (4 OREB, 3 DREB), 2 AST, 4 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 2-3 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, +18, 16 MIN

Vanderbilt had a quiet night offensively with just 4 points, but he contributed in other areas, collecting 7 rebounds and grabbing 4 steals. His hustle and defensive energy were noticeable, helping the Lakers force turnovers and create transition opportunities. While his offensive output was minimal, his impact was still felt in the team’s overall performance (+18 plus/minus).

Dalton Knecht: C

Stats: 10 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 0 PF, 3-9 FG, 2-7 3PT, 2-2 FT, +13, 22 MIN

Knecht had an uneven night, scoring 10 points but struggling from the field (3-of-9 FG, 2-of-7 3PT). He made some timely shots, but his efficiency was lacking. His ejection in the fourth quarter after receiving two technical fouls for arguing was an unnecessary distraction in an otherwise smooth victory. His +13 plus/minus showed that he wasn’t a liability, but he will need to improve his shot selection.

Trey Jemison III: C

Stats: 4 PTS, 5 REB (1 OREB, 4 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 2 TO, 6 PF, 2-6 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, +12, 18 MIN

Jemison played 18 minutes, contributing 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks. He was active defensively but struggled offensively, shooting just 2-of-6 from the field. His 6 personal fouls in limited minutes were a concern, but his +12 plus/minus indicated that he still had a positive impact overall.

Bronny James: C

Stats: 5 PTS, 2 REB (0 OREB, 2 DREB), 2 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 1-6 FG, 0-2 3PT, 3-3 FT, +3, 12 MIN

Bronny got extended minutes in the fourth quarter and finished with a career-high 5 points. Though he struggled from the field (1-of-6 FG, 0-of-2 3PT), he showed poise at the free-throw line (3-of-3) and contributed 2 assists and 2 rebounds.

His highlight moment came on an and-one layup, which got the crowd buzzing. Though his shooting needs improvement, he played with confidence and composure in his limited action (+3 plus/minus).

Christian Koloko: N/A

Stats: 4 PTS, 2 REB (1 OREB, 1 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 2-2 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -2, 7 MIN

Koloko played only 7 minutes, contributing 4 points and 2 rebounds on perfect shooting (2-of-2 FG). While his time on the floor was limited, he made the most of his opportunities. However, his -2 plus/minus indicated that he wasn’t as impactful as some of his teammates.

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