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Lakers need role players to rise to occasion against Thunder back in LA

California Post·Melissa Rohlin·25 days ago
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The Lakers’ second-round series against the Thunder is shifting from Paycom Center, widely considered one of the NBA’s loudest arenas.  That could be good news for the team’s role players.  Against the Thunder’s deep roster, the Lakers need everyone to make a positive contribution.  The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura was consistent in the first two games against the Thunder. NBAE via Getty Images What is one major advantage the Thunder have had this series? Bench points.  In Game 1, the Thunder’s reserves outscored the Lakers’ bench, 34-15. In Game 2 , that advantage ballooned to 48-24. The Thunder, quite simply, have more players who are playing well than the Lakers, which makes all the difference in the playoffs.  The Lakers have actually done a good job limiting reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , who led all postseason scorers in the first round of the playoffs with 33.7 points a game. This series he’s averaging just 20 points.…

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