The Los Angeles Lakers is a formidable team that boasts of unique talents. From Lebron James to Anthony Davies and D’Angelo Russell, the players thrilled spectators with impressive chase-down blocks, clutch three-point shots, and posterizing dunks last season.
However, just like some gaming platforms are rated higher than others on Slotozilla Canada, some performances of the Lakers’ last season stood out more prominently. Let’s highlight incredible individual performance and teamwork sequences that stood out the most in the 2022/23 season:
- LeBron James smashes NBA scoring record;
- Reaves’ fall-back 2-point shot;
- Turning offense into attack – James, Bryant, and Russel;
- Another offense into attack – James – Reeves, and Walker;
- No-look pass;
- Schröder 3 points at the dead;
- Reaves underarm acrobatic basket;
- Westbrook – James basket;
- Through the legs, in the basket;
- Four-on-one slam.
LeBron James Smashes NBA Scoring Record
LeBron James broke Kareem Abdul-Jabaar’s NBA scoring record, which has eluded superstars for nearly 39 years. James scored the record-breaking 38,388 points after a fadeaway 2-point shot in the final seconds of the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder. With arms raised, the newly crowned king jogged back towards his team and looked up into the stands, where thousands of spectators cheered him on.
Amidst the euphoria, James bent over, rested his hands on his knees, and had tears in his arms. His teammates, friends, and family jumped out of their seats in celebration and joined him on the court. This shared moment of pure happiness will go down as one of the best jaw-dropping moments of 2023.
Reaves’ Fall-Back 2-Point Shot
Austin Reaves pulled off an incredible move against the Golden State Warriors. He picked the ball from his half and quickly progressed into the free-throw area. However, with four Golden State Warriors players standing before him, his attempt to progress forward was halted. A simple chest bump threw him back, but he released the shot on his way down.
Reaves landed on his back but secured two points and an extra free throw for the Lakers.
Turning Offense Into Attack – James, Bryant, and Russel
The Lakers turned defense into attack in an incredible move that started from the back and ended in the basket against the Sacramento Kings. LeBron James began the procession by blocking a shot aimed at the basket and immediately passed the ball to Thomas Bryant. Bryant moved the ball from his free throw area and passed to D’Angelo Russell, who then laid off James with an over-the-head pass for an incredible dunk. It was like a smooth game of FSND in Canada, where everything flows seamlessly.
Another Offense Into Attack – James – Reeves, and Walker
LeBron James gave the Lakers a 2-point lead over the Clippers, with the teams tied at 87 points. It followed an impressive block from James, which put the ball right into the path of Reaves. The latter ran with the ball right into the free throw area and passed to Lonnie Walker IV, who then set up James for a dunk that had everyone cheering from their seats.
No-Look Pass
James snatched a rebound against the Golden State Warriors, and the resulting basket gave the Lakers a 22-point advantage. He laid off Rui Hachimura with a no-look pass to the left accompanied by a slight body feint that threw off three players. This created an opening for Hachimura to secure two points.
Schröder 3 Points at the Dead
Dennis Schröder scored 3 points from the center circle with 0.7 seconds left on the clock against the New York Knicks. Unlike most long throws, Schröder did a 360-degree body movement with the throw, making it appear nonchalant. Surprisingly, the ball went right in with his back still turned towards the basket, earning him the cheer of supporters and the opposition.
Reaves Underarm Acrobatic Basket
Austin Reaves nailed a mid-air underarm acrobatic basket after a layoff by Schroeder. It started with an initial pass from Reaves to Schroeder and back to Reaves when he jumped toward the basket. However, midway through the jump, Memphis Grizzlies’s Jaren Jackson Jr. attempted a block.
Knowing a block was imminent, Reaves swung the ball away from Jackson’s outstretched arm and did a 180-degree mid-air arm rotation to score the basket.
Westbrook – James Basket
LeBron James dispossessed a Milwaukee Bucks player in his half but almost fumbled the ball. He kept it alive with two low bounces and recovered to tee up Russell Westbrook. Although Westbrook faced an open basket, he returned the pass to James mid-air for a ridiculous one-arm slam dunk.
Through the Legs, in the Basket
Milwaukee Bucks’ Middleton fumbled a pass that went through his legs. Eager to recover, he lunged at the ball, but Hood-Schifino Jalen’s dive beneath him kept the ball from his reach. James received the loose ball and escaped Middleton’s attempt to grab his shirt by lunging over him. James kept his legs, ran to the basket, and dropped the ball into Davies’ outstretched arms for a slam.
Four-on-One Slam
Reeves, James, and two other Lakers players broke out of their half against Orlando Magic and had only one opponent between them and the Basket. Reaves, who took the ball from his half, drew the defender to himself, freeing James. He then laid off James for a slam.
Conclusion
As we look back on the Lakers’ last season, we’re reminded of the incredible moments that made us cheer and gasp. From LeBron’s record-breaking shot to Reaves’ amazing moves, each play showed why the Lakers are a force to be reckoned with. These moments will stick with us, showing the magic of basketball when players work together and give it their all on the court.
