The Lakers dropped their first game of the California Classic at Chase Center to the Golden State Warriors 89-84 on Saturday after leading by double digits in the first half.
The Lakers struggled defensively in the second half, giving up 30 points in the third quarter, when they trailed for the first time.
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Bronny James traveled with the team but did not suit up.
Darius Bazley was the Lakers’ only constant on defense, switching on the perimeter while contesting shots at the rim. Perimeter defense was a clear struggle for L.A., forcing late challenges by bigs leading to 25 free throws.
Read more: Bronny James, Dalton Knecht ready for second summer with Lakers
Cole Swider was a bright spot all game for the Lakers, using his ability to shoot from deep to tally a game-high 24 points on seven-for-10 shooting, including, six of eight from three. Swider, entering his fifth year in the NBA, played seven games for the Lakers his rookie season.
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DJ Steward also stood out, scoring 20 points on seven-for-10 shooting. Steward’s ability to get to the rim and draw fouls allowed for catch-and-shoot threes for teammates.
“This is a good opportunity to be myself,” Steward said. “There’s a lot of things [the coaching staff] wants me to hone in on, controlling the controllables, picking up 94 feet, communicating, and getting guys involved.”
In his fifth summer league appearance, Steward was the game’s second-leading scorer and assist co-leader with six.
Read more: Lakers announce Summer League roster, schedule
Steward said he will push for a win when the Lakers play their next game on Sunday.
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“We got to get the guys together to go out there and play harder than we did today,” Steward said. “We have to make sure we’re picking up 94 feet and being more physical.”
The Lakers’ first round draft pick last season, Dalton Knecht, looked a bit rusty scoring only 10 points on three-for-13 shooting, missing all six shots from deep. Knecht is coming off a season for the Lakers where he averaged 9.1 points on 46.1 % shooting in 78 games.
“It took a while for me to get going; I didn’t get going at all,” Knecht said reflecting on his performance. “I just have to come out ready to play better tomorrow and shake off the rust. My teammates were great, they came out competing, picking up full court, rebounding and crashing the glass, so I’m proud of my team.”
The California Classic will continue tomorrow when the Lakers take on the Miami Heat. Tip off will be at 1:30 p.m.
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
