If there was ever a highlight reel to prove the Los Angeles Lakers need a perimeter defender who can also knock down threes, Tuesday night was it.
Trey Murphy exploded for a career-high 42 points, leaving the Lakers scrambling to keep up while the Pelicans lit up the floor. Sure, the Lakers pulled out a 111-103 win, but Murphy’s performance made one point clear. The point is that without someone who can defend and stretch the floor, this team is far from complete.
Lack of perimeter defense is costing Los Angeles
Murphy was everywhere, spotting up for wide-open threes, attacking the rim, and drawing nine free throws in the process.