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Lakers Surge to 4-1, Rookie Thiero Shines

7/12/2026

46 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Lakers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 96-84 and the Dallas Mavericks 91-70, reaching a 4-1 record.
Rookie guard Adou Thiero posted 20 points, four rebounds and four assists in his first start, drawing defensive praise.
Arthur Kaluma scored a game-high 34 points on 11-of-16 shooting in the Lakers’ win over Dallas.
Cameron Carr missed Saturday’s game with a right thumb contusion and was held out of the next contest.

History

Historical Context

After hiring Phil Jackson in 1999, the Lakers opened the Staples Center and posted a league-best 67-15 record, then rode a 15-game postseason winning streak to capture their first championship since 1988 in 2000, defeating the Indiana Pacers. That early-2000s dominance sets the benchmark for today’s 4-1 start, where rookies Adou Thiero and Arthur Kaluma aim to echo the era’s success.

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Story summary

The Lakers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 96-84 and the Dallas Mavericks 91-70, reaching a 4-1 record.
Rookie guard Adou Thiero posted 20 points, four rebounds and four assists in his first start, drawing defensive praise.
Arthur Kaluma scored a game-high 34 points on 11-of-16 shooting in the Lakers’ win over Dallas.
Cameron Carr missed Saturday’s game with a right thumb contusion and was held out of the next contest.

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