Grading Lakers Players After 117-108 Victory Against Heat: 3-Game Losing Streak Broken

Rui Hachimura scored 23 points, and Anthony Davis added 22 points and 11 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a 12-point halftime deficit to defeat the Miami Heat 117-108 on Wednesday night, snapping a three-game skid. LeBron James contributed 22 points and nine assists, while Austin Reaves recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds to help the Lakers secure their first win since two games were postponed due to Southern California’s deadly wildfires.

Tyler Herro led the Heat with a scorching 34 points, shooting 7 of 12 from beyond the arc, including a perfect 5 of 5 in the first half. However, Miami faltered down the stretch, surrendering a 15-4 Lakers run early in the fourth quarter that turned the game in Los Angeles’ favor. 

Haywood Highsmith and Nikola Jovic chipped in 12 points each for the Heat, who completed their West Coast trip 3-3 without Jimmy Butler, finishing the swing with back-to-back losses to the Clippers and Lakers.

A key moment came when Jaxson Hayes intercepted a pass, sparking a fast break that ended with his own dunk off an assist from Reaves, giving the Lakers a 90-87 lead with 10:27 left. Herro’s hot start kept Miami competitive, but Los Angeles clamped down in the second half, outscoring the Heat 64-43 to secure the victory. 

The Lakers' three-game losing streak matched their season-high, but Wednesday's performance offered a glimpse of resilience as they found a way to bounce back in front of their home crowd. Let's provide a grade for every Lakers player. 

Anthony Davis: A-

Stats: 22 PTS, 11 REB (2 OREB, 9 DREB), 4 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO, 0 PF, 10-21 FG, 1-3 3PT, 1-2 FT, +7, 37 MIN

Davis showcased his two-way brilliance, tallying 22 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. He was a stabilizing force in the paint, making key plays on defense and providing consistent scoring to spark the Lakers' second-half rally. It wasn't Davis' best performance considering his other exceptional games this season but it was a very good one.

Rui Hachimura: A-

Stats: 23 PTS, 8 REB (2 OREB, 6 DREB), 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 2 PF, 9-15 FG, 2-5 3PT, 3-4 FT, +10, 33 MIN

Hachimura led the Lakers in scoring with 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. His 8 rebounds and physicality on both ends provided much-needed energy, helping the team break out of their recent slump. A much-needed performance from the forward considering the losing streak.

LeBron James: A-

Stats: 22 PTS, 5 REB (1 OREB, 4 DREB), 9 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 0 PF, 9-15 FG, 3-6 3PT, 1-2 FT, +14, 38 MIN

LeBron James contributed a well-rounded 22 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds. His efficient 9-of-15 shooting and timely playmaking were crucial in maintaining the Lakers' offensive rhythm, particularly during their decisive fourth-quarter run. An overall solid performance from The King considering his elite standards. 

Austin Reaves: A-

Stats: 14 PTS, 3 REB (0 OREB, 3 DREB), 14 AST, 3 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 4 PF, 5-9 FG, 2-3 3PT, 2-2 FT, +14, 35 MIN

Reaves delivered an impressive double-double with 14 points and 14 assists, adding 3 steals. His court vision and defensive effort energized the Lakers, while his ability to make big plays in key moments underscored his importance to the team.

Max Christie: B+

Stats: 16 PTS, 3 REB (0 OREB, 3 DREB), 0 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 6-12 FG, 3-7 3PT, 1-2 FT, +10, 37 MIN

Christie continued his development with 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-7 from deep. He added solid defense and spacing, showing growth in his ability to contribute effectively in extended minutes.

Gabe Vincent: B

Stats: 14 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 4 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 3 PF, 6-9 FG, 2-5 3PT, 0-0 FT, 0, 26 MIN

Vincent chipped in 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting and dished out 4 assists. His efficiency and steady presence off the bench helped bolster the Lakers' backcourt during a crucial stretch.

Jaxson Hayes: C

Stats: 4 PTS, 1 REB (1 OREB, 0 DREB), 0 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 2-3 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, +2, 14 MIN

Hayes had a limited impact with 4 points and 1 rebound in 14 minutes. However, his energy and a critical steal that led to a fast-break dunk played a small but meaningful role in the Lakers’ turnaround.

Dalton Knecht: C

Stats: 2 PTS, 2 REB (0 OREB, 2 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 0-4 FG, 0-4 3PT, 2-2 FT, -4, 14 MIN

Knecht struggled offensively, scoring just 2 points on 0-of-4 shooting from the field. Despite his offensive woes, he contributed 2 rebounds and 1 assist in limited minutes.

Shake Milton: N/A

Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 0-2 FG, 0-1 3PT, 0-0 FT, -8, 6 MIN

Milton played only six minutes, failing to score while missing his two shot attempts. His brief stint had little impact on the game, though his energy on defense was notable.