Lakers’ “fabric” shows its value – San Bernardino County Sun

Lakers cut off Vanderbilt and Kevon Lowney on Golden State, on the left, Steph Curry, Gary Peyton II and Rui Hahimura, which split them in the second half on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

Los Angeles, if it were earlier in the season, the Golden State Warriors strategy in the middle of the game against Lakers on Thursday night would lead to a successful return.

Before the role of Gabe Vincent in the team to increase. Before the acquisition of Dorian Fini-Smith. Before returning to Vanderbilt in court.

But there, Vincent did not give up when he wandered with Draymond Green at the end of the second quarter, with a subtle-smith next to him.

“They just tried to raise their physicality,” Vincent said. “They had other players who started [to] Chirp and they began to make several plays and their physicality. “

And there, Vanderbilt was, face-to-face with Kevon Luuni, after the heavy Lawney foul against Vanderbilt after his offensive rebound and attempt to retreat after the warriors reduced Lakers’ 26-point lead to the seven in the middle of the third.

“Personally, I love physicality,” Vanderbilt said. “So I love when those [types] of atmospheric games and I feel like we [were] Big in the first half and they raised our physicality to try to change the game a little. “

Perhaps, if Lakers had not turned the angle in the season as they were, they would have allowed the Warriors physics warrior to completely turn the game in favor of Golden State.

But it didn’t happen -when Lakers gave up the greater part of his lead, but never went to the second, defeated Warriors on crypto.com Arena for his fourth consecutive victory, eighth victory in nine games and 10 win In 12 games.

“I love how we reacted,” Vanderbilt said. “We [were] able to fight and bring this level of physicality. This is about heavy games. We knew it wouldn’t be an easy game and we [were] Able to withdraw with a win. “

These moments, among others, helped to make it obvious why Lakers wanted to ensure that they were holding the “fabric of the team” as coach J. J. from the trade period for the NBA trade on Thursday.

Because they provide the characteristics of the Lakers they need – strength; scrapability.

“Rob and I have had a number of conversations about this group of players and we feel cultural, they are the fabric of the team,” Radik said. “And they help us on the court, they help us in the dressing room, they help us in their spirit. They are professional. They are consistent. These are the boys you want to train and we value all these guys a lot. “

Most often, these values ​​are not fully reflected in the traditional assessment of the boxes.

But on Thursday, some of them were.

Vincent knocked down five 3-indicatives, most of all he made in a game as a Laker, while being one of the main defenders against the Warriors Steph Curry star.

Finni-smith added seven points, three rebounds and two thefts in 33 minutes, playing the most as Lakers acquired it at the end of December.

Vanderbilt added five points, 14 rebounds (four offensives) and three assists in 21 minutes – the most time to play, which he received after returning to the floor on January 25th over Warriors.

“Those two boys specifically, they inhale their lives a lot in the defense end,” Vincent said to Finni-Smith and Vanderbilt. “Whether it’s their communication or their efforts they present. There are a number of inspirational plays that happen within 48 minutes, whether it is a box or a bounce, a free ball. And these two guys, they embody the little plays who win the plays we need. So they inspire boys every night. “