The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a close win against the Los Angeles Clippers. While the expected star players led the way, it was the role players that pushed the Lakers to a win. It is very early in the season, however, in both wins for the Lakers so far, the role players have played a huge part to secure the wins.
Star players such as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have produced as expected. Coveted big man Walker Kessler has also shined. Though players such as Quentin Grimes, Zaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle, and Sandro Mamukelashvili who were brought in as supporting cast have been exceptional. Each player was brought in with a specific vision in mind to help the team and what their role would be.
“I think we all as players know what our strengths are and I think for a lot of us this team has created a landscape where naturally strengths are highlighted.” said Thybulle.
Through the first two games Thybulle and Willaims have secured the other two starting spots due to their defensive ability and three point shooting. Against the Clippers, their skillset was on display.
Williams and Thybulle are both really good defensive players and are essential in the chaos themed defensive style head coach JJ Reddick wants to play.
“Matisse I thought was really good on the ball today, and when he plays the free safety role off the ball and Zaire on the ball, they’re defensive playmakers.” said Reddick
The defensive playmaking of the pair resulted in each player having two steals and a block, leading the defensive pressure against the Clippers. They each also provided 14 points from Willaims and 13 from Thybulle. While they also help the offense, other role players such as Grimes and Mamukelashvili are the more expected offensive based role players.
Grimes and Mamukelashvili have looked really comfortable in their first few outings for the Lakers. Grimes is an offensive help, but also plays very good defense as a perfect complement to the team’s main two perimeter defenders.
Putting up 13 points against the Clippers off the bench but also adding in 8 rebounds. His all around game has been a boost for the Lakers. Mamukelashvili only put up 7 points against the Clippers, however his ball handling and versatility has been helpful with extra ball handling on the floor.
It’s early, but Lakers role players look impressive. Photo by Mark Hammond / @news4usonline #Lakeshow https://t.co/expdzL89MC
— News4usonline.com (@news4usonline) October 25, 2026
He is allowing the offense to flow differently when he comes in because he can dribble, pass and shoot as a big forward.
Each of these four role players have been huge in the wins for the Lakers. In their win against the Clippers six players scored double digit points. They also forced 26 turnovers from the Clippers. That is a sign that the offense is figuring a way to spread the wealth and also be menacing on defense.
It is still early for the Lakers and they have some things to clean up, but they are also expected to add more help to the team. Collin Sexton made his anticipated season debut against the Clippers. He struggled a bit, but it was his first game with the team after missing the entire preseason, and Sexton is expected to provide a change of pace style of offensive threat once comfortable.
Other winger shooters and defenders such as Jake Laravia, Adou Thiero, and Cameron Carr are all expected to return at some point in the season. The depth and production of the role players could be getting much better as the season goes on.
We all know what to expect from the stars in Doncic, Reaves, and potential star Kessler. It is important for the role players to continue to help execute the type of season the Lakers hope to have.
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