Lakers enter their first season without Kobe Bryant showing a solid teamwork with a smart gameplay by head coach Luke Walton. The young players played their first game with a good start and defeating Houston Rockets in the season opener.
The young players have high respect on Walton as the coach knows his game. The combination of rookie head coach and young players who work together turned out well. In their opening game the Lakers defeated Houston Rockets 120-114 on Oct. 26 at Staples Center as reported by Bleacher Report.
Backup point guard Jordan Clarkson came off-the bench very well for Lakers and led the scoring with 25 points. While starting point guard D’Angelo Russell contributed 20 points. This result show the good players depth which Lakers have.
Coach Walton played Brandon Ingram in his original positionas the small forward position and Ingram scored 9 points. Previously during pre-interview game with Los Angeles Times Walton said he had seen Ingram is also able to play as point guard. According to the coach, Ingram has the insight to score and make play, depending on the floor situation.
“He comes off picks and he reads the defense and whether it’s a drop pass, or a swing pass or his own shot, he normally makes the right decision off of that,” Walton said. “That was what was most impressive about watching him do it.”
Houston Rockets which is also under the new head coach Mike D’Antoni this season also played well. But they could not overcome the speed and youthfulness of Lakers young players. James Harden had to struggle to lead the team made double-double by scoring 34 points and 17 assists. While shooting guard Eric Gordon contributed 19 points and 5 rebounds.
Watch the post-game interview with coach Walton after his first win against Rockets from the Lakers Nation below: