Anthony Davis didn’t require perfect vision to notice that the Atlanta Hawks were trying to get the attention of the Lakers. Austin Reaves sarcastically remarked, “You don’t want my view!” after the Lakers turned the ball over on the first play of the game. Jaylen Johnson of the Hawks turned that turnover into a highlight-reel dunk over Reaves, setting the tone for an 11-2 start for Atlanta.

Reaves, taking the dunk in stride, acknowledged that it was the first time he had been dunked on in his career and praised Johnson’s athleticism. However, the Lakers quickly regained their composure with Davis back in the lineup after recovering from a scratched cornea. The Lakers’ starters all contributed with at least 12 points each, and they dominated the game, ending their two-game losing streak with a convincing 136-105 victory over the Hawks.

Lakers coach Darvin Ham expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting their defensive effort, ball movement, and high assist count. The Hawks, coming off a win against the Clippers, couldn’t mount a significant challenge once the Lakers found their rhythm.

D’Angelo Russell had an impressive performance, scoring 27 points and tying the Lakers’ single-season record for three-pointers. LeBron James and Anthony Davis were efficient from the field, both shooting 10 for 14 and contributing 25 and 22 points, respectively. Rui Hachimura added 17 points, and Reaves made his own highlight by steаling an inbounds pass and delivering a no-look, behind-the-back pass to set up a dunk for James. Max Christie provided a spark off the bench with 11 points.

For Davis, the game marked his return after a scary incident in the previous game where he suffered a scratched cornea. He described the discomfort he experienced and the improvement in his condition after receiving treatment.

However, the Lakers received unfortunate news regarding their frontcourt depth. Reserve player Christian Wood is set to undergo knee surgery and will be sidelined for multiple weeks. The team is expecting updates on his condition soon. Despite the setback, injured forward Jarred Vanderbilt showed progress in his recovery during spot-shooting drills.

With a few days off before their next game against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Lakers plan to refine their оffensive and defensive strategies. Coach Ham emphasized the importance of focusing on their own performance and being the best version of themselves, regardless of external factors. The team aims to make the necessary adjustments and take care of their business as they continue their season.