NBA fans chip in with hilarious reactions after LA Lakersโ first win
The LA Lakers finally notched their first win of the 2022-23 season against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. Fans were ecstatic with the win and Twitter blew up with reactions.
The LA Lakers have been one of the most underperforming teams early in the season. With a star-studded roster featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook, the Purple and Gold have struggled to be impactful.
While this was a trend that carried over from last season, the Lakers certainly found a way to disappoint again as they started the season with a 0-5 record.
However, this didn't last long as the LA Lakers came out all guns blazing against conference rivals, the Denver Nuggets. They came away with a dominant 121-110 win, their first under head coach Darvin Ham.
The Lakers' win garnered a lot of attention from fans across the world. They gave a myriad of reactions and we took a look at some of them on Twitter.
Here are the best ones:
@Ballislife @Lakers https://t.co/peMPOKwxRk
@BleacherReport Lakers fans celebrating being 1-5 https://t.co/T7gAPycrFw
@BleacherReport https://t.co/CymqEpq7Gn
@BleacherReport Lakers are the 2023 NBA Champions! https://t.co/HiUYbjux4M
@BleacherReport Westbrook when he comes off the bench: https://t.co/YL4Q4I4POP
@BleacherReport Lakers are 2023 NBA Champions. Btw we're going 77-5.
@Lakers https://t.co/zhpHyXTCgC
@Lakers 77-5 incoming. twitter.com/noahcamras/staโฆ
@Lakers Lakers are 1-0 when Pau Gasol shows up https://t.co/9f4GA1earU
@Lakers MFS THOUGHT WE WAS GOING 0-6 https://t.co/DuC4KkYqC5
@Lakers Are the Lakers officially back โ๏ธ
yes โ 100%
no 0%
10M votes โข final results
Lakers fans after getting their first dub of the season ๐ https://t.co/bLPJ9hUvKE
Lakers got their 1st win of the season!!! Well look at God.
@LakersSBN "If the Lakers can just shoot like this every night there might be a 50-win team in there" https://t.co/ADewLNSjSK
Maybe the Lakers should have some sort of jersey retirement every home game.
Lakers after the 1st win of the season https://t.co/EXPF4uvluU
Lakers winning streak starts tonight. Donโt call my phone!
@Lakers LAKERS WIN A GAME I USED TO PRAY FOR TIMES LIKE THIS https://t.co/j9r8V30F2a
The game was also a momentous occasion for franchise legend George Mikan. He finally had his jersey number retired on Sunday. After an exemplary career which resulted in five titles in the early days of the NBA, the Lakers organization honored Mikan by hanging up the number 99 from the rafters.
In light of Mikan's jersey retirement, former LA Lakers superstar Pau Gasol was also in attendance for the game against the Denver Nuggets. With so many legends in the building, the Purple and Gold managed to put on a show for the home crowd.
The Lakers have finally taken a step in a positive direction with the win. However, only time will tell whether this could be a turning point in the season.
LA Lakers' schemes finally came to fruition
The LA Lakers have struggled to gel as a team in a short period of time. However, their performance against the Denver Nuggets provides a glimpse into what the team is capable of when their schemes come to fruition.
A major aspect of the Lakers' identity is their defense. With head coach Darvin Ham placing a massive emphasis on defensive effort, the Lakers have found a way to stay in games even while shooting poorly.
They are currently the second-ranked defense in the league, but their execution on the offensive front was the source of all their problems.
However, Sunday night offered some perspective on the Lakers' offensive ability. They enjoyed some success from beyond the arc as Lonnie Walker IV and Austin Reaves made timely shots. Anthony Davis and LeBron James continued to be effective scoring threats as well.
However, the difference maker on Sunday night was Russell Westbrook. With Westbrook embracing his role as the sixth man, the 9x All-Star shone against the Nuggets.
Notching 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, the Purple and Gold reaped the benefits of Westbrook playing up to his potential.
With a template for how they can perform when they execute their schemes, the LA Lakers have found some momentum. Heading into their next game against the New Orleans Pelicans at home, the team will hope to build upon their success from Sunday's win.