Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid Dismantle Lakers on LeBron James Historic Night – 3 Takeaways in 76ers’ Dominant Outing

The Philadelphia 76ers reasserted their dominance in the league with their incredible performance against the Los Angeles Lakers. Joel Embiid and Co. blew out the Lakers 138-94 in a one-sided affair. LeBron James and Anthony Davis tried to recreate the magic from their win against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the last game, but Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey got the best of them. Maxey and Embiid dismantled the Lakers, combining for 61 points.

Here are 3-key takeaways as Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey ruin LeBron James’ historic night with a dominant win.

1. Joel Embiid continues to improve his playmaking abilities

Joel Embiid has been one of the best players in the league following his dominant MVP season. But his game is not like it was last season. This year, we are seeing an evolved Joel Embiid who has worked hard on his playmaking skills. A Center predominantly known for his scoring abilities and defense, Joel Embiid is doing wonders as a facilitator on the court. He is averaging 6.3 assists this season, the highest assist average of his career. Even tonight, Embiid put up a monstrous triple-double against the Lakers, scoring 30 points, with 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Maybe it is the newfound chemistry with his teammate Tyrese Maxey or his working in the gym during the off-season, but Joel Embiid has taken his game to another level this year.

2. The Sixers’ defense was too good for the Lakers

Not only did Joel Embiid and Co. dominate the Lakers on offense, they shut down LeBron James and Co. on defense as well. The Lakers were limited to just 94 points, and no player from the Lakers roster scored more than 18 points. LeBron James and Anthony Davis had an underwhelming performance, scoring only 18 and 17 points, respectively. That was a result of some great defensive effort by the 76ers. Veteran defensive role players Patrick Beverley and Robert Covington terrorized the Lakers on defense and put them in constant double teams. LeBron James and Co. turned the ball over 17 times in comparison to Sixers 5 turnovers.

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3. The Lakers’ defense is failing them

The Lakers have been extremely shorthanded on the defensive end. Most of their elite two-way players are going through injuries and have not played recently. Power Forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who was key in the Lakers’ success last season, has not played this season due to left heel bursitis. The Lakers also lost two great defenders, Cam Reddish due to a groin injury, and Rui Hachimura due to a nasal fracture. The absence of these defensive Bigs has led the Lakers to rely solely on Anthony Davis. The Lakers’ defense is too weak at the moment, leading to role players like Patrick Beverley and Marcus Morris going off against them. LeBron James and Co. are hoping that their injured players return to the lineup soon and they get back to full strength.

Is the lack of defensive players going to cost the Lakers going forward? Or will they be able to regain their momentum?

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