NBA: LeBron about Wagner’s first points: “We were all thrilled”

Moritz Wagner scored his first NBA points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ blowout win against the Phoenix Suns. The joy about this milestone was also huge for the team mates of the German.

A good 8 minutes before the end it was time. Wagner got the ball at the three-way line, with a pump fake he brought his opponent Deandre Ayton off balance. The German passed the top rookie in the direction of the basket and was fouled.

A few seconds later the Spalding rolled over the ring into the net, the first free throw was in and Wagner secured his first point in the NBA – the Lakers bench was completely over the moon.

“He finally learned how to ride a bike. That was the moment, we were all very enthusiastic”, LeBron James explained the reaction of the team-mates after the match. By the way, it shouldn’t just be that one counter. Also the second free throw found its goal, in the end Wagner had 10 points (2/3 three) and 3 rebounds to show.

After Wagner had missed the start of the season due to a knee injury, the No.25 pick of the Lakers was used more and more recently, although especially in garbage time. He scored his first points in the Lakers jersey in his fourth race for the team from the City of Angels.

“He’s just a good boy. Nobody wants to be hurt, and that he was hurt in his rookie year is a little sad,” said Michael Beasley. “We’re all feverish with him. He’s one of those guys you just gotta love.”

Head Coach Luke Walton was also happy for his protégé and at the same time emphasized the bank’s positive reaction: “I think that speaks for the culture that our team and the guys here have.”

“Of course it’s exciting every time a rookie scores his first points, but if you’ve looked at our bank, you’ve seen the other bigs – and how proud they are. JaVale [McGee] and Tyson [Chandler] jumped up and down because they were really happy for him,” Walton said.