Wizards vs. Lakers: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions
The Washington Wizards (29-35) play against the Los Angeles Lakers (37-37) at STAPLES Center
Game Time: 10:30 PM EST on Friday March 11, 2022
Washington Wizards 17, Los Angeles Lakers 26 (Q1 01:50)
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Kristaps Porzingis had only been playing the first ~5 minutes of each quarter and then the last few minutes at the end of the game
He checks back in with 2:10 left in the first quarter so maybe his minutes restrction has increased from the low 20s – 11:03 PM
Washington Wizards @WashWizards
Probably talking fits.
#DCAboveAll | @Kyle Kuzma pic.twitter.com/Xh7zIuWVtQ – 11:03 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
That Reaves-LeBron combination 👀 pic.twitter.com/SSbWEVMCpE – 11:01 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Here’s the tribute video the Lakers played for Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in their return to L.A. with the Wizards tonight. pic.twitter.com/U6mRasX2Cd – 11:01 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Kyle Kuzma and KCP welcomed back to LA pic.twitter.com/U0VsfhFfGM – 11:00 PM
Mark Followill @MFollowill
Dwight Powell tied a career high with 26 pts and added 12 rebounds tonight for his first double-double this season. Mavs beat the Houston Rockets 113-100 to raise their record back to 15 games over .500 at 41-26. – 10:58 PM
Washington Wizards @WashWizards
KP finds Corey W I D E open under the hoop for the first bucket of the game!
#DCAboveAll | @DraftKings Daily Fantasy pic.twitter.com/IBbz2dUgV4 – 10:57 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
I love that after so many years watching this franchise, even during arguably the least enjoyable season in recent memory, Dyan Cannon will still get out of her seat to yell at the ref that it’s Lakers ball. AK – 10:56 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Ish Smith just checked in off the WAS bench – he absolutely killed the Lakers in Charlotte, the biggest reason for a narrow Hornets W.
We’ll see how LAL handle him tonight. – 10:56 PM
Washington Wizards @WashWizards
All love.
#DCAboveAll | @Kentavious Caldwell-Pope pic.twitter.com/HVEbRjh0Rn – 10:54 PM
Mike Bresnahan @Mike_Bresnahan
Nice video tribute for @Kyle Kuzma and @caldwellpope on their first game back in town against the Lakers.
“They will always be known as world champs,” added public-address announcer Lawrence Tanter. – 10:54 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Laker pick alert 🚨
With that Grizzlies win, the Knicks are now a game ahead of the Lakers for the 10th spot in the lottery.
Lakers and Wizards (1.5 ahead of LA) play tonight, and things can get interesting there too – 10:53 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope tribute video pic.twitter.com/1U6N2nJD5w – 10:53 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Deni Avdija guarding Russell Westbrook after being rookie and vet teammates last season – 10:53 PM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Nice tribute for Kuz and KCP… pic.twitter.com/AVLK8Nm1i8 – 10:53 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Lakers’ tribute for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma pic.twitter.com/apq7fxqJcc – 10:53 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Strong first stint from @LeBron James, with 7 points (3 of 4 FG’s), 3 assists and a board, with LAL up 17-13 as he takes his first rest. – 10:52 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Kyle Kuzma and KCP video tribute pic.twitter.com/bY1odvCq9X – 10:52 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Lakers Family Forever
Thank you, @Kyle Kuzma and @Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/Oz8ywXW84l – 10:52 PM
Wayne Cole @waynec0le
Nice tribute video from the lakers for Kuz and Kcp. – 10:51 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron, 8 assists away from 10,000 before the game, had 3 nice ones in the first 4 minutes of action, helping the Lakers take a 15-11 into the first time out. – 10:51 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Welcome back, Champs 💜 pic.twitter.com/FJbul7p06E – 10:48 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Vlade Divac is in town for the Lakers-Wizards game – 10:44 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
The Lakers are starting LeBron James at center tonight opposite Kristaps Porzingis. – 10:43 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope dap up and embrace with LeBron James before tip-off, Kuzma also dapped up Frank Vogel – 10:41 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
An appreciative “KUUUUUUZ” from the crowd as Kyle Kuzma takes the ball up court after the tip-off. – 10:41 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope get a nice round of applause from the Lakers crowd when introduced in the Wizards starting lineup pic.twitter.com/MhKlaLe4g8 – 10:39 PM
Josh Robbins @JoshuaBRobbins
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma received cheers when they were introduced tonight as Wizards starters here in their former home arena. There were some “Kooooz!” cheers for Kuzma. – 10:36 PM
Ava Wallace @avarwallace
Loud applause when KCP is announced at Crypto.com, big ol KUUUUUUZ for Kuzma – 10:36 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Kyle Kuzma & KCP get a warm reception at Staples Center during lineup introductions – 10:36 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Russell Westbrook’s first game against the Wizards since the trade pic.twitter.com/eOSErXJm6h – 10:34 PM
Washington Wizards @WashWizards
For the remainder of the season for every block we record our partner, @FTX_Official, is giving away bitcoin to @UrbanAlliance and a lucky fan. – 10:23 PM
Washington Wizards @WashWizards
Watch it all the way through 👀
#DCAboveAll | @CaesarsSports pic.twitter.com/gRM8KQGUmP – 10:22 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Can anyone with a little more free time on their hands than me rn plz send me a clip of that flagrant foul on Dwight Powell?
Will be v thankful!! – 10:18 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Friday’s Five
#SuitingUpTogether | @ToyotaSoCal pic.twitter.com/J7t75TSVaY – 10:17 PM
Washington Wizards @WashWizards
Catch and fire 🏀
#DCAboveAll | @CaesarsSports pic.twitter.com/Rd8g0CQnls – 10:14 PM
Washington Wizards @WashWizards
Ready to rock in LA 🎸
#DCAboveAll | @CaesarsSports pic.twitter.com/8EAnHmgXdQ – 10:05 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Lakers sticking to small ball despite Kristaps Porzingis in the lineup. It’s LeBron, Russ, Reaves, Johnson and Monk. – 10:02 PM
Washington Wizards @WashWizards
STARTERS ⬇️ #DCAboveAll pic.twitter.com/5q7R90u6v7 – 10:00 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James will start at center tonight against the Wizards, matching up initially against Kristaps Porzingis – 10:00 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
According to @Stathead @Basketball-Reference
Only five teams entered tonight’s games with more instances of losing both rebound and turnover margins than Clippers (HOU, ORL, LAL, OKC, WAS)
Tonight was 15th time this season that Clippers were outrebounded and had more turnovers. – 9:59 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Kyle Kuzma always ends his pre-game workout with making a half court shot
He swished it on the first try as he gets ready to take on the Lakers 👀 – 9:53 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Kuzma and KCP had very fascinating, compelling stories as Lakers, between their key roles on a title team, their lowest points that led to fans outwardly souring on them, and everything in between. But I imagine they’ll get a big ovation tonight, and deservedly so. AK – 9:52 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Kyle Kuzma feeling good pic.twitter.com/N7s4NPDORs – 9:49 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Yeah, we don’t need a Tourism Nova Scotia ad taking up over half the screen. – 9:45 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Kyle Kuzma on the Lakers trading him to the Wizards: “I’m cemented as a winner, and I’m cemented as a Lakers champion. For me, it’s not about ‘what if.’ It’s time to move on. It’s time to improve my game.” on.nba.com/3CAbJNB – 9:44 PM
Washington Wizards @WashWizards
Big fits when you’re back in LA 😎
#DCAboveAll | @MichelobULTRA pic.twitter.com/PvLj9JHHpv – 9:38 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Deni Avdija fan gets his jersey autographed and he was giddy pic.twitter.com/5UQhnWN2Z2 – 9:38 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Kyle Kuzma told a fan he recognized, “ready for the show?” 👀 pic.twitter.com/XdG57JhWTM – 9:35 PM
Washington Wizards @WashWizards
Late night hoops in 6️⃣0️⃣ minutes!
📍 Los Angeles
🎙 @Team980
📺 @NBCSWashington + @NBATV
#DCAboveAll | @CapitalOne – 9:30 PM
Dwain Price @DwainPrice
Mavs lead 67-44 at the half. Dwight has 22 and 10, Luka has 17-8-5. – 9:23 PM
Wayne Cole @waynec0le
Everyone has been tweeting it but a BIG game from Kuzma tonight just feels like it has to happen. pic.twitter.com/CiKukW5X1L – 9:19 PM
Wayne Cole @waynec0le
Coach Unseld Jr alluded to the fact that this game means something for Kyle Kuzma and KCP; the team will go as they go regarding energy but doesn’t want them to get lost in a personal vendetta. – 9:16 PM
Wayne Cole @waynec0le
Coach Wes Unseld Jr says keys to limiting the Los Angeles Lakers are “Transition” and establishing paint defense he said Westbrook & Lebron can be one man fast breaks.
#DCAboveAll | #Lakeshow – 9:14 PM
Josh Robbins @JoshuaBRobbins
Wizards starters tonight against the Lakers: Raul Neto, Corey Kispert, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis. – 9:12 PM
Dallas Mavericks PR @MavsPR
Dwight Powell finished the first half with 22 points (8-9 FG) and 10 rebounds (6 OR).
Powell is only the 9th Maverick to record a half with 20+ points and 10+ rebounds:
D. Nowitzki (4)
K. Porzingis (2)
S. Bradley
L. Dončić
M. Finley
C. Gatling
*D. Powell
B. Marjanović
A. Walker pic.twitter.com/M4iA08EHKs – 9:11 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr on Kyle Kuzma and KCP facing the Lakers tonight pic.twitter.com/yZBbnMTKh4 – 9:08 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Dwight Powell at half: Season-high-tying 22 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists in 17 mins
Makes Luka Doncic’s triple-double watch at 17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 block look like small potatoes. – 9:08 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Mavericks MVP candidate dominating. But enough about Dwight Powell. (He matched his season-high 22 in the first half, added 10 rebounds.) – 9:06 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Luka Doncic and Stephen Silas chat while Dwight Powell is at the free throw line. “There are so many good restaurants in Houston and we got this new plane….” pic.twitter.com/dFCgTJCf8y – 9:04 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
Dwight Powell has matched a season high with 22 points and his 10 rebounds is two shy of his season high. It’s still the first half. – 9:03 PM
Dwain Price @DwainPrice
Dwight having a terrific game. He already has 20 and 10 — in the first half. – 9:01 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Dwight Powell with a first-half double-double (20-10). Lots to like about the way the Mavericks are rebounding from that blowout loss to NY on Wednesday. They are up 58-37. – 9:01 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope catching up with members of the Lakers organization including assistant coach Phil Handy pic.twitter.com/UKtD1jymOU – 9:00 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Is Dwight Powell headed for a 35-to-40-point night, smacks to his face and all? – 8:54 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
A Rockets fan is shouting at Dwight Powell for flopping, and I feel like someone should inform this dude that Dwight Powell doesn’t need to pretend to take an elbow to the face every night. – 8:53 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Frank Vogel on Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 2020 Lakers champions who return tonight with the Wizards: “Nothing but love for those guys … they’ll always be family … it was very hard to see them go, but that’s the nature of this business.” – 8:52 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Frank Vogel on Kyle Kuzma and KCP: “Nothing but love for those guys. They’ll always be family.” – 8:51 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron and THT are both good to go tonight (both were listed as questionable). – 8:50 PM
Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBA
Everyone confused by Kelly Olynyk being part of the 75th anniversary celebration should ask a Wizards fan why he’s there. – 8:50 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron James and Talen Horton-Tucker are both expected to play today against the Wizards, Frank Vogel says. – 8:50 PM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Lebron & THT both good to go for tonight vs Wizards… – 8:50 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Lakers coach Frank Vogel said LeBron James and Talen-Horton Tucker will play tonight vs the Wizards – 8:49 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Frank Vogel said that LeBron James and Talen Horton-Tucker are playing tonight. – 8:49 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Dwight Powell might score 50 tonight – 8:48 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets having all kinds of trouble slowing Shaquille O’Neal inside. Wait, it turns out that’s Dwight Powell. – 8:45 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Mavericks 31, Rockets 23 after 1. Rockets miss the Lakers defense already. Hurting themselves, too, with the usual turnovers and missed free throws wasting possessions. Mavs close quarter on 16-4 run. Doncic with 9-7-4, Powell with 10 points. Rockets 1 of 7 on 3s. – 8:37 PM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Couple former Lakers in town tonight for matchup vs the Wizards…Which was the better role player for the Lakers? – 8:32 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Hello from Wizards-Lakers
Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Russell Westbrook’s first game against their former teams pic.twitter.com/NpTC9ynpc9 – 8:29 PM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Teamed up w/ @NextGemApp for a special giveaway, which #Lakers fans & sports cards enthusiasts will love! Winner will receive PSA 9 Kobe Bryant 1998 Fleer Ultra Gold Medallion card!
TO ENTER: RT this & follow me & @NextGemApp. Winner will be announced March 14th.
Good luck! pic.twitter.com/pcLW9HYux6 – 8:22 PM
Atlanta Hawks PR @HawksPR
Trae Young finished tonight’s first quarter with 8 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds. It’s only the second time in his career he’s finished a quarter with 8+ points, 6+ assists and 4+ rebounds (2/12/19 vs. LAL, 1st quarter). – 8:07 PM
Jamie Hudson @JamieHudson_
Blazers Injury Report:
Bledsoe (left Achilles), Ingles (left knee), Lillard, Little, Louzada (left knee recovery), Nurkic (left foot; plantar fasciitis), Simons (left knee; patellar tendinopathy) and Winslow (right Achilles; soreness) are out for tomorrow’s game vs. Washington. – 7:50 PM
Atlanta Hawks PR @HawksPR
Tonight marks John Collins’ 242nd career start, tying Kent Bazemore for 21st on the Hawks all-time games started list. It’s also Kevin Huerter’s 200th career start. – 7:41 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
#JamesGang | #STAYME7O pic.twitter.com/jcPAMG6aBQ – 7:39 PM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
Eric Bledsoe, Joe Ingles, Damian Lillard, Nassir Little, Didi Louzada, Jusuf Nurkic, Anfernee Simons and Justise Winslow are out for Saturday’s game against Washington. – 7:22 PM
Bob Garcia @bgarciaivsports
Ahead of his first career game against the #Lakers, Kyle Kuzma holds no resentment toward his former team.
#Lakeshow #NBA
sportscasting.com/kyle-kuzma-dem… – 7:12 PM
Washington Wizards @WashWizards
Need some tunes to start your weekend?
@Kyle Kuzma‘s pregame playlist is the vibe 🎧
#DCAboveAll | @Gatorade pic.twitter.com/ieKnOJE1EW – 6:55 PM
Jeff Goodman @GoodmanHoops
Pitt AD Heather Lyke on Jeff Capel:
“We are committed to Jeff Capel as our head coach and leader of our team. I am confident Jeff will continue to assess and evaluate every aspect of our program and work tirelessly to continue building it the right way.” – 6:54 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Load Mismanagement is live w/@jphanned now through tipoff @Underdog__NBA
– What New Orleans going to do now?
– Cavs/Heat
– Pass/Fail LaMelo Ball
– Will Kuz crown KCP?
– Justin’s Fastest 5 Minutes in the NBA
Answering all your questions ⬇️
https://t.co/7lsn2sYW64 pic.twitter.com/8mqYbw7sim – 6:32 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
Stephen Silas says the word he had on the board this morning was “Consistency.” He does not want the Rockets to get too high after the Lakers game and then come out flat tonight. – 6:19 PM
Washington Wizards @WashWizards
Learned from him, now he’s squaring off with him.
#DCAboveAll | @CapitalOne pic.twitter.com/Nwvs6u8i97 – 6:02 PM
Andrew Bogut @RogueBoguesPod
Basketball Pod Ep 56 – @andrewbogut and @HoopConsultants discuss LeBron James and Russell Westbrook playing together.
Listen to it here 👇
https://t.co/u0OwdyWBh0
#LetsGetRogue #RogueBogues #NBA #Basketball #Lakers pic.twitter.com/lMvDMNQpK9 – 4:57 PM
