TLDR: Wrote a program that parses the website popcornmachine.netfor games, aggregates +/- and minutes for specific lineups.
Observations:
Our top two lineups combined for +11 in a little less than 12 minutes. The conisstent players were AR-Reddish-Rui-AD. Imagine adding LeBron to that core four.
AD had to play 41 minutes. This is because Jaxson Hayes was a -11 in only 7 minutes of playing time. He is realistically our only backup center, since Wood is better utilized as a wing. Wood at center is just as bad if not worse, it is why he always had a reputation as bad defender before getting to the Lakers.
Cam Reddish is great, hope he can keep up this production. I’m still a little doubtful, since he was really good against the Clippers, kinda sucked up until the Phoenix game.
Rui Hachimura is not getting enough credit. He was the second leading scorer in this game, along with 8 points in the fourth quarter. I still think he needs to work on his hand movement on the defensive end, but Jerami Grant was just hitting tough shots in his face.
Rui is our third leading scorer per 36 minutes. I really wish Ham would give him more playing time, I think he has an unfairly short leash. I was really high on Rui following last season’s playoff run, and its been disheartening to see him benched, and his minutes shortened despite playing great in my opinion. He is also leading the Lakers in TS at 65%. When LeBron gets back, I want to see a frontcourt of Rui, LeBron, and AD. That combo has only played 3:40 this whole season, I really hope we see it more.
Rui is solid