Even though they fell to the Clippers 118-111, the Los Angeles Lakers played what was by far their best game of the season as they took one of the Western Conference favorites to the wire.
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The Lakers looked excellent on offense, moving the ball and getting everyone involved. According to Mark Medina of the LA Daily News, Jeremy Lin said the team is figuring out how to trust each other:
Jeremy Lin: "We're growing and figuring out to trust each other the right way."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) November 1, 2014
Lin himself was the subject of some criticism after the first two games with Kobe imploring him to take more charge in the offense. Lin revealed that it helped him be more aggressive tonight via Medina:
Lin on Kobe & Byron telling him to be more aggressive: "I'm like every other human. I'll feel more comfortable when I feel more empowered."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) November 1, 2014
Lin’s play will be essential to the Lakers success this season and his 17 points and nine assists were a huge part of the Lakers success. Ball movement is necessary on this team and the Lakers had 24 assists as a team tonight, a season high.
As the Lakers grow more comfortable with each other, the offense will continue to improve as they will know where each person likes the ball. Lin will be most responsible for getting others their shots and if he can continue to build on this performance, the Lakers will continue to improve as a team.
[divide]VIDEO: Kobe Bryant Asked About Jeremy Lin’s Assertiveness, “If you’re a chump, if you’re a pushover, I’ll run over you.”