The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Washington Wizards, 123-116, in a scrimmage from Orlando on Monday afternoon.
While there were five ties and five lead changes in the first quarter alone, Los Angeles held the lead for the final three quarters of action. However, the game stayed within a seven-point margin for all but a handful of minutes, with the Lakers riding a 37-30 third quarter to the victory. Los Angeles shot 49 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range. The Lakers also out-rebounded the Wizards, 48-42, while recording 12 steals.
Rui Hachimura led the Wizards with 19 points, three rebounds and three assists. Jerome Robinson paced the bench with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. Ish Smith also provided 12 points, five rebounds and six assists off the pine.
With LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma, Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard resting, Alex Caruso led the Lakers’ starters with 17 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals. J.R. Smith led the team in scoring, dropping 20 points off the bench and knocking down six of his seven attempts from three. Dion Waiters also came off the bench to tally 18 points, three rebounds and six assists.
This was the final scrimmage for both teams, which now turn their attention toward the eight seeding games, which begin Thursday night. The Lakers face the Clippers on Thursday, while Washington squares off against the Suns on Friday.
