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| LeBron James finished with 21 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds as Los Angeles sent Washington to its 11th consecutive loss Tuesday night. |
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LOS ANGELES — In just a season and a half, Bilal Coulibaly has emerged as the go-to defender for the Washington Wizards, frequently tasked with guarding the opponent's top perimeter threat. The 20-year-old has embraced the challenge night after night.
However, during the Wizards’ 111-88 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena, it was forward Kyle Kuzma, not Coulibaly, who was primarily assigned to guard superstar LeBron James.
“Size, coverage — we could switch some of the pick-and-rolls,” Coach Brian Keefe explained. Despite the strategy, James dominated as he often does, becoming the second player in NBA history to record a triple-double in his 40s. He tallied 21 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds. His teammate Anthony Davis contributed a stellar 29 points and 16 rebounds, helping the Lakers improve to 23-18.
For the struggling Wizards (6-36), Coulibaly was a bright spot, leading the team with 17 points on 7-of-15 shooting — his highest scoring output since December 28. He also recorded six rebounds and four assists. Though he handled the ball sparingly as a rookie, Coulibaly has taken on a significant playmaking role in his second season.
“It’s been a lot thrown at me,” Coulibaly admitted in early December regarding his dual responsibilities. “But I’ve got to go through it because that’s what I want for my future.”
The increased workload has produced mixed results. While Coulibaly has showcased his playmaking abilities, his shooting efficiency has been inconsistent. Part of the issue is shot selection — an excellent finisher at the rim, Coulibaly has historically taken a high percentage of midrange jumpers.
“This is part of his development — reading what’s appropriate,” Keefe said before Thursday’s game against Phoenix. “You’re seeing good things: his ability to get to the paint, his improved rim finishing, and finding open teammates on the perimeter. Now he’s working through when to shoot a floater versus a pull-up. It’s all a natural progression for a young lead handler.”
Against the Lakers, Coulibaly avoided midrange shots entirely. Nearly all his points came in the paint or at the free-throw line. He noted during pregame preparation that the Lakers’ defense would go under screens in pick-and-roll situations, daring him to shoot jumpers. Coulibaly countered by “racing” through the gaps.
“Whenever I see them go under, I try to get around faster,” he explained, “so I can elevate, draw a foul, or finish with an easy layup.”
Sarr Struggles Despite Block Party
Rookie Alex Sarr had a mixed night despite recording a career-high five blocks, including an emphatic rejection of fellow rookie Dalton Knecht.
Sarr faced a tough assignment guarding nine-time All-Star Anthony Davis, who shot an efficient 14-of-22 from the field. Offensively, Sarr struggled, making just 5-of-14 shots. While he has worked on initiating contact in the paint instead of fading away, he reverted to fadeaways against Davis. The strategy not only made his attempts more difficult but also limited his chances to draw fouls — Sarr did not attempt a free throw all night.
Honoring First Responders
Both teams’ coaches wore patches to honor first responders combating devastating fires in the Los Angeles area, which have burned over 40,000 acres and claimed at least 24 lives.
“There are people out there doing far more important work than what I’m doing,” Keefe said before the game. “There are folks sacrificing so much right now.”
Keefe, who has lived in the Los Angeles area intermittently since his college days at UC Irvine, said his family in the area is safe.
“This hits close to home for me,” he added. “Hopefully tonight’s game can bring some joy and a little bit of healing.”
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