5 instances where the LA Lakers resilience paid off
The LA Lakers have been a gritty unit since making acquisitions last season ahead of the trade deadline.
After a dismal start to the season where they struggled to hit the .500 mark, they finished 43-39.
Much of their turnaround has been attributed to their grit and resilience in testing times. They may have been swept 4-0 by the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs, but they did walk out with respect.
This season, they might have a mixed record, but that hasn't dented the quality they have had since January.
The Lakers led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis have ensured they have kept the team in the hunt.
With the team notching up a 107-95 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, here are five instances when LA and its players showcased grit and resilience:
When the LA Lakers showed their resilience this season
#5 Austin Reaves' bounce-back game against the Miami Heat
Reaves started off the season struggling. His contributions in the first three games were 14, 10, and 5 points respectively. However, the shooting guard showed his class by notching up 23 points in the loss against the Miami Heat.
Coupled with 10 rebounds and nine assists, Reaves upped the ante when Anthony Davis struggled with a hip injury. His contributions kept the Lakers within striking distance, but they eventually fell short 108-107.
#4 Cam Reddish shrugs off his poor start
Early-season shooting struggles put Cam Reddish in the same boat as Reaves, but since Nov. 10, when he was inserted into the starting lineup, he has looked like a different player. His strong showing against the Blazers a few days earlier didn't go unnoticed, as he led the scoring chart with 16 points in just the first half.
It was clear that Reddish lacked confidence heading into the season, but the shooting guard ensured that he battled for a starting spot. That meant working his way up by proving himself in critical situations.
This attitude further adds to why the Lakers have been successful in closing out tougher games.
#3 The Lakers' comeback win over the LA Clippers
The Lakers' comeback win over the LA Clippers was a strong statement of their battling qualities.
The Clippers have dominated the last 11 years of the famed Hallway Rivalry, winning 36 of 43 clashes. Tyronn Lue was a perfect 11-0 against the Lakers, until this game, where the Lakers decimated the Clippers after trailing in the first half.
The Lakers overcame a 19-point first-quarter deficit to force overtime. However, LeBron James and Austin Reaves sparked a 7-0 run in OT that helped them notch up a 130-125 win and snap their long losing streak.
#2 The Lakers take over against the Phoenix Suns in the In-Season Tournament
The Lakers' In-Season win against the Phoenix Suns was another testament to their tenacity. They came into the matchup 3-5. A startling change saw Reaves come off the bench and play a solid 35 minutes.
James took over with 32 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. There was help, as Anthony Davis notched up 18 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.
D'Angelo Russell chipped in with 19 points and 9 assists, and Reaves was key with 15 points and 7 assists. Reddish had 17 points, including the game-winning three.
#1 Anthony Davis shuts down the "soft" narrative
Anthony Davis' extensive injury history has resulted in critics slamming the Lakers big man, but the former NBA champion has been a force this season for LA.
He has been impressive at the defensive end and has been instrumental in helping the team prop up wins.
This season, he's averaging 22.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game. Four of his last five games have seen him record double-digit rebounds and a double-double to boot.
Despite battling a hip injury, the center has been active for the side, and that speaks volumes about the toughness he brings to the table.