Lakers take down Bucks with LBJ passing Magic Johnson in All-Time Assist List

In what may be the most impressive win for the Lakers thus far in the 2022-2023 season, many factors contributed to a road victory in the 21st game of the year. The Lakers played with a sense of purpose and a sense of energy that could not be matched by the Milwaukee Bucks.

The most impressive statistic tonight was the Lakers only turning the ball over 4 times. Considering the heavy turnover margin by the Lakers this season, it was refreshing to see the entire team take care of the ball and attack the paint. The Lakers ended the game scoring a total 70 of the 133 points in the paint, shooting 75% from the free throw line, 53.6% from the field and 42.3% from three-point range, the Lakers outrebounded and had a better team assist to turnover ratio than the Bucks.

Lakers’ Russell Westbrook continues to be a great fit for 6th man as he played efficient and effectively scored 15 points, 11 assists and 7 rebounds. Anthony Davis has been playing very impressive as of late and health is a major factor on why he is putting up MVP-type numbers. AD scored a season high 44 points this evening sharing in a historic night for his teammate, LeBron James. James passed all-time great Laker, Magic Johnson, on the NBA all-time career assist list with 10,144 moving him to 6th most career assists of all time. Impressive accolades such as these are something to marvel, as it should be mentioned that these milestones are even more impressive against the NBA’s top defensive team.

LeBron James knew how special the moment was for passing Magic Johnson. “It means a lot, obviously. The way Magic approached the game, it was very infectious. His teammates loved playing with him because of the joy he played with and the ability to pass the ball and get other guys involved. He was always excited about seeing his teammates be great. I always admired that in him. What’s even more humbling and super-duper cool is the fact that I’m doing it in a Laker uniform and knowing how much Magic means to the Laker franchise,” LeBron said postgame.

Valiant effort from the Bucks with Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 40 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Jrue Holiday dropping 28 points, assists and the return of Khris Middleton showed a great sign scoring 17 points and 7 assists. A very close game down the stretch led to the Lakers making free throws when needed and the Bucks missing late three-point tying shots. Lakers head to Washington DC on Sunday to take on the Wizards and Bucks travel to Charlotte to play the Hornets for the first time this season.