LOS ANGELES >> The two players seem identical with their physical makeup, skills and attitude.
Lakers reserve forwards Tarik Black and Thomas Robinson provide enough strength to bruise inside. Their productivity hinges on hustle plays. They relish playing time without publicly complaining when it does not come.
So in need of jump-starting the team’s defense, Lakers coach Luke Walton paired Black and Robinson together in Sunday’s loss to Toronto. Despite the outcome, the two kept the game competitive by combining for 21 points and 18 rebounds.
“They brought us an energy and toughness we lack a lot of the times on the defensive end,” Walton said.