The Los Angeles Lakers beat the visiting Atlanta Hawks 122:101 at the Staples Center, not only achieving their fourth consecutive win but also rising to No. 1 of the whole league. The game was simply too easy for the purple and gold that they delivered 14 blocks, a new season-high. Five came from Anthony Davis, three from Dwight Howard, two from JaVale McGee and Danny Green, one from Kyle Kuzma and LeBron James.

James was again the best-performing player of the game. He played 33 minutes in which he buried 13 of 21 shots, including six 3-pointers, to get 33 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists. "Zero turnovers, 12 assists. Are you kidding me?" said coach Frank Vogel.

The Lakers' icon Kobe Bryant appeared at the Staples Center to watch the game too. "I'm just trying to continue the legacy you left behind in the purple and gold. At the same time, make you proud!! ? X ? #TheBlackMamba #LakeShow??" posted James on Instagram after the game.

Having suffered his back-to-back loss at the Staples Center, Trae Young could feel the "hospitality" of the two LA teams towards him. Both the Lakers and the Clippers chose the same defensive tactics on him: switching defense in screen plays so Young would be followed closely before his defender came back. If he tried to slash, there would always be someone waiting for him under the rim. As a result, Young had only two options – perimeter shooting, which he did not excel at; or floater, which small defender was fast enough to interfere.

Such tactics worked very well. In the 49-point loss to the Clippers, Young only got 20 points but drew 12 free throws because the Clippers kept ball pressuring him all the time. In Sunday's game, the Lakers were not that aggressive, but they aimed for Young's passing and forced him to commit eight turnovers.

Having dropped 26.6 points, 8.8 assists and 3.3 3-pointers at a rate of 37.9 percent so far this season, Young improved his game to a new level as one of the league's best guys in screen play. Therefore, the defense on him was replaced with new tricks: allowing his individual attack but forcing him to do it in an uncomfortable way. Both he and the Hawks need to figure out a new solution to the new challenge.

Kings end Celtics' winning streak

The Boston Celtics failed to extend their winning trend to 11 as Marcus Smart missed the game-winning buzzer-beater at the Golden 1 Center. In fact, the last 90 seconds of the game was all about him. He first assisted Jayson Tatum to make a lead-gaining jump shot, then grabbed a precious offensive rebound before Richaun Holmes refused his shot; then, he unnecessarily fouled on Holmes, who made both free throws to rewrite the score 100-99; at last, Smart missed the game-winning floater.

Compared with Smart's controversial acts, what Buddy Hield did was undoubtedly incredible. Having gone 7/12 from the 3-point line to shooting 35 points, Hield destroyed Boston's defense by himself. Since De'Aaron Fox hurt his left ankle in training, Hield could get 22 points per game and led his team to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers and the Celtics, only to lose to the Lakers by two points.

Warriors' misfortune continues

Two teams haunted by injuries met at the Smoothie King Center. In the end, the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Golden State Warriors 108-100, bringing the opponents to their seventh straight loss.

Taking a look at the Warriors' starting-lineup, there current state is no surprise: Center Willie Cauley-Stein, power forward Eric Paschall, small forward Alex Burks, shooting guard Glenn Robinson III and point guard Draymond Green. Nine men sat on the team's bench and five of them were coaches.

Before Sunday's game, Golden State already led the whole league in total missed games by injured players (74), according to Sportrac. The No. 2 team, the Indiana Pacers only had 46 games. Considering that Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson will continue to sit on more games in the future, Golden State may remain as the league's most unfortunate team for a long time.

One irony in Sunday's games was that Green, who had claimed that he's not at his peak, buried only two shots on the court to get seven points, six rebounds, four assists and three turnovers. Having been known for his big mouth, Green should consider remaining quiet for a while because when your team keeps losing, the more you speak, the more you embarrass yourself.

Other games on Sunday included (home teams in bold):

Philadelphia 76ers 114-95 Cleveland Cavaliers

Washington Wizards 121-125 Orlando Magic

Denver Nuggets 131-114 Memphis Grizzlies