Lakers news: Xiaoli is as good as Curry at the peak, Ayton’s defense is amazing, and his appearance in the game against the Timberwolves is updated

Xiao Li is as good as Curry at his peak

Yesterday, the Lakers faced back-to-back games against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Lakers' two main players, James and Doncic, continued to be exempt from the game due to injuries. In the end, after four quarters, the Lakers failed to withstand the Blazers' youthful storm and lost 108:122. Although he lost, Lakers guard Reeves' performance was still very impressive. He played 39 minutes, made 13 of 22 shots, 3 of 8 three-pointers, and 12 of 14 free throws. He scored 41 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. If Reeves hadn't stepped forward time and time again on the offensive end and carried the team on his shoulders, this game might have lost its suspense early on.

In fact, yesterday's game was just a microcosm of Reeves' fiery state this season. So far, Reeves has played in 4 games, with 1 game of 50+ and 1 game of 40+. He averaged 35.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.8 steals in 37.8 minutes per game. His three shooting percentages were as high as 57.3%, 42.9% and 88.2%. Many of his statistics rank at the forefront of the league, including leading the league in total points (143) and total free throws (51).

Today, according to US media statistics, Reeves has achieved a feat, that is, becoming the second player in history to contribute at least 35 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and a true shooting percentage of not less than 70% in the first 4 games of the season, comparable to Curry in 15 years. It is worth mentioning that Curry was at the peak of his career in 2015, averaging 30 points per game and reaching the "180 Club" standard. He made the most 402 three-pointers in a single season in history and was unanimously elected mvp. It can be said that it is very remarkable for Reeves, as an undrafted player, to be able to compete with the peak Curry. I also hope that Xiaoli can maintain his current self-confidence and good condition, and achieve his goals such as being selected as an All-Star and getting a maximum salary contract.

Ayton's defense is amazing

Today, the American statistics media "The Lead" revealed the top list of the lowest opponents' shooting percentage this season. 10 list (defending opponents at least 35 times), the results show that Spurs center Bunyama ranked first with an absolute advantage, and Lakers center Ayton successfully entered the list, ranking 8th. The specific rankings are: 1. Bunyama: 29.7%; 2. Anfernee Simons: 31.0%; 3. Ryan Rollins: 31.8 %; 4. Jaylen Brown: 32.0%; 5. Donovan Klingen: 33.8%; 6. Stephen Castle: 33.9%; 7. Josh Gidi: 34.3%; 8. DeAndre Ayton: 35.1%; 9. Kniper: 35.1%; 10. AJ Green: 35.1%.

I believe many fans are surprised, or even incredible, that Ayton ranks 8th on the list of limiting opponents' shooting percentage. After all, people have the inherent impression that Ayton has "confrontational mysophobia" and does not like to defend. But if you really watch the Lakers' games this season, it is not difficult to find that Ayton's changes are very obvious. On the one hand, thanks to the encouragement of the Lakers coaching staff, Ayton has corrected many bad habits on the defensive end; on the other hand, Ayton's concentration has significantly improved, and it is rare to see him lose his mind and lose position. Obviously, it is reasonable for Ayton, who has top physical talent, athletic ability and increased motivation, to rank in the top ten in limiting opponent's shooting percentage. Of course, it cannot be said that Ayton is a defensive champion now. He still has some problems that need to be solved, such as lack of physical strength, poor foul control, and being too easy to eat. I hope he will continue to improve and slowly transform into what Lakers fans and management expect.

Updated appearance against the Timberwolves

Tomorrow at 9:30 am, the Lakers will face the Timberwolves away from home. Today, the Lakers officially released the injury list and appearance status of this game, specifically: Doncic (finger sprain, left leg contusion), James (right sciatica), Kleber (abdominal strain), Tierro (knee surgery recovery), Vincent (ankle sprain) will be absent; Smart (thigh contusion), Hayes (patellar tendinopathy) are doubtful (50% probability of playing). The last time the Timberwolves suffered a disastrous defeat at the Lakers' home court (110:128), they will definitely want to regain their face when they return to their home court. Coupled with the absence of many of the Lakers' main players, tomorrow's game will be a disaster. By then, can Xiaoli continue his hot performance? Can the Lakers survive in Minnesota with all their lives? Worth the wait.