Indiana Pacers: Player grades from narrow loss to the Los Angeles Lakers

Malcolm Brogdon led the Indiana Pacers crusade against The King and the Lakers

To call this one as a disappointing loss in an understatement. After all, the Indiana Pacers were essentially on the driver’s seat for almost the entire game. The main reason? Look no further than Malcolm Brogdon, who continued to play at an All-Star level against the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers.

Scoring a team-high 28 points on nine of 21 shooting overall, including a season-best five three-point makes on ten tries, Brogdon constantly punished LA’s defenders despite being taxed all night as LeBron James’ primary defender. While The King ultimately nabbed the W with some unbelievable shots, he never had an easy shot attempt in this game, and Malcolm was the main culprit.

That being said, while the Pacers are probably better off outing a more well-rounded attack, it’s hard to argue when Brogdon is in the zone (at least until overtime). He wasn’t perfect—his two dimes tied for his season-low tally, and his passing was iffy against the Lakers, particularly when feeding the post, but he was Indiana’s brightest on this one.

Nah, scratch that. He’s been the brightest for most of the season. Now, give him some All-Star love.

Malcolm Brogdon: A