The Los Angeles Lakers came to Oklahoma City to clinch a victory as they defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 125-111.

But one thing that made the victory very special was that it lacked two of the big names in the team as LeBron James and Anthony Davis stayed out of the game. In their absence, Rajon Rondo and Kyle Kuzma rose to the challenge to lead the squad to an impressive win.

Right from the start of the game, Rondo had things in check, scoring the 12 out of the team’s first 19 points. Rondo set the tone for the team, as put by Kuzma, who also scored high points for the team. Kuzma continues in his success after scoring 26 points in the Friday game against the Dallas Mavericks, setting a record for a season-high. A record he broke in Oklahoma City after scoring 36 points, earning a handshake from King James himself.

The two players scored a total of 57 points, with Kuzma responsible for strengthening their lead. The win also takes their winning streak to eight. With a point average of 4.5 between them, they surpass that of James and Davis.

The teammates have been doing their best to charge each other up, especially after their narrow win in New York against the Knicks. But one thing was certain from Saturday’s game, and that is the fact that Rondo and Kuzma are becoming a force to be reckoned with.

It is not as if they were the only ones who made double digits as Troy Daniels and Quin Cook made 12 and 13 points respectively. But the fact they lead the team. Rondo set the pace which Kuzma ran with.

Although Rondon had to slow down later after suffering a strain on the index finger, an incident he blames for missing some of his shots. The finger has faced two surgeries already, but the strain was nothing to worry about. As for Kuzma, most people are happy about his recent performance, particularly those who were doubtful of him during his first months.

Los Angeles Lakers are set at 1.45 to win the NBA Pacific Division, while Los Angeles Clippers are pegged at 2.65.

Written by: Leon Osamor