EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — These are the games the Lakers need: no over-reliance on LeBron James (for once), no extra pressure on Russell Westbrook, and, of course, no losing.
The Lakers beat the Atlanta Hawks, 134-118, by relying on some of the "others," as Shaquille O'Neal used to call role players when he dominated the middle for the Lakers.
What You Need To Know
- The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, 134-118
- Malik Monk continued his torrid play by scoring 29 points Friday at Crypto.com Arena
- Talen Horton-Tucker and Avery Bradley each added 21 points
- LeBron James scored 32 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter
Malik Monk continued his torrid play by scoring 29 points Friday at Crypto.com Arena. Talen Horton-Tucker and Avery Bradley each added 21 points, and the Lakers could thank an offense that had 37 assists and only eight turnovers — a pristine ratio that would win most NBA games.
It all added up to a fourth consecutive victory for the Lakers (21-19), the first time that's happened this season.
Don't get it wrong: James was still effective, scoring 32 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter. And Westbrook just missed a low-key triple-double with nine points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists.
But there wasn't the win-with-those-two-or-else feeling. Monk made sure of it. He was on fire pretty much all night, especially in the first half when he scored 21 points. He made seven three-pointers and added to an unimaginably successful two-week run since joining the starting lineup.
"Just letting the game come to me and not trying to force shots, just playing the right way and it'll come to me," he said. "The ball will find me."
Monk has helped in almost every way on offense — if not more.
"In all ways you can offensively, creating for others, catch-and-shoot threes, attacking the basket, scoring in mid-range and really competing on the defensive side of the ball," coach Frank Fogel said.
Bradley also had a strong game, scoring 21 points a few hours after the Lakers guaranteed his contract for the rest of the season. NBA teams had until 2 p.m. Friday to terminate any non-guaranteed deals. Rookie Austin Reaves also had his contract guaranteed by the Lakers.
Bradley, known for his defense throughout his 12-year career, liked that the Lakers forced Hawks All-Star Trae Young into nine turnovers.
"We're flying around," Bradley said. "I think we're doing a great job as a group."
As positives go, there were plenty for the Lakers. James said his favorite was their season-high in assists.
"I've always prided [myself] on sharing the ball, everybody feeling really comfortable," James told Spectrum SportsNet after dialing up nine assists of his own. "It's a beautiful game when the ball is popping. 37 assists is something I'm very proud of."