LeBron James (32) and Anthony Davis (21), who each took a half of whipping the offensive reins. It also featured another 3-point specialist, acquired over the summer, ripping the nets from long range.
The surprise came on the defensive end, where the Lakers showed up the two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and his compatriots and forced 23 turnovers. The visitors were shown no harbor, shooting just 41 percent (29 for 70), getting clocked on the offensive glass (just three second-chance opportunities) and generally getting drummed out on the offensive end.The Lakers were in control in the first half — leading the Jazz 43-37 after two quarters — but they didn’t start pulling away until the third quarter, when head coach vogel put in for the first time this season.
caruso looked rusty to start, turning the ball over twice upon entering the game, but he looked like the player Lakers fans saw towards the tail end of last season as the game went on. While he only scored one basket in two attempts, he Caruso was active on the defensive end and looked comfortable being the secondary ball-handler the Lakers need to move James off the ball.
