JR Smith and Alex Caruso got he chance to shake off the rust as the Lakers big guns sat out, leading the way to a 123-116 victory over the Washington Wizards in an NBA tuneup game on Monday in Orlando (Tuesday, Manila time).
After a so-so start in his return to the NBA, Smith got to show he can contribute, scoring 14 in the first half on the way to 20 points.
Dion Waiters added 18 points for the Western Conference leaders.
With LeBron James sitting out, along with Anthony Davis, Kyle Kuzma and Dwight Howard, Caruso got the start and he did not disappoint, delivering 17 points
Two-way forward Kostas Antetokounmpo also came up with a fine performance, posting nine points and eight rebounds in 22 minutes of action.
It was the Lakers’ second win in three exhibition matches ahead of the NBA season resumption.
The Lakers face the Clippers on Thursday, after the Utah Jazz take on the New Orleans Pelicans in the opener of the seeding games.
Rui Hachimura led the Wizards with 19 points, Jerome Robinson added 18 and Shabazz Napier chipped in with 16.
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