NBA 2018-19: 3 talking points from Los Angeles Lakers' thumping win over Golden State Warriors

The Los Angeles Lakers had a totally dominating and commanding victory over the defending champions Golden State Warriors despite losing LeBron James midway through the match because of a groin injury.

The Lakers led almost for the entirety of the match and ultimately finished with a 127-101 win.

When LeBron got hurt, the Lakers had a 14-point lead. The Warriors went on a 14-2 run after that and cut the Lakers' lead to just 2 points; it seemed as if the Lakers wouldn't be able to recover from LeBron's injury.

But Kyle Kuzma and Rajon Rondo made good plays on the following possessions, and the Lakers again garnered control of the match. Lance Stephenson hit a 3 on the buzzer to end the third quarter for the Lakers with a 9-point lead.

With the win, the Lakers improve to a 20-14 record in the Western Conference and are currently lying at the fourth position. The Warriors have a 23-12 record and are the second placed team in the West.

Here are the key talking points from the match:

#3 Great all-round effort by the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers were locked in for the match

The Lakers controlled the entire match and dominated almost every statistical category. They shot 55.3% from the floor and were also brilliant on the defensive end of the floor.

The Lakers also displayed great effort on the boards. They out-rebounded the Warriors 49-37 and never allowed them to go on one of their runs.

The Lakers have been one of the surprisingly top defensive teams in the NBA this season, and their defense was contagious in this match. The efforts put in by the Lakers on the defensive end to stop the Golden State's offensive juggernauts was especially praiseworthy.

#2 A night of struggles for the Warriors All-Stars

All of the Warriors' All-Stars didn't show up for this Christmas encounter with the Lakers. Stephen Curry struggled the entire night; he scored just 15 points in the match, well below his season average, and shot a very poor 5-17 from the floor and 2-8 from the 3PT line.

Kevin Durant scored 21 points on 5-13 shooting from the floor. Klay Thompson had one of his worst nights in recent years, scoring only 5 points on 2-7 shooting from the floor.

Draymond Green was consistently being dared to shoot on offense. He got 4 points on 2-7 shooting from the field.

The Lakers defense frequently tried to double team on Steph and Durant, and that left Green and Iguodala wide open on most possessions. Iguodala scored a game-high 23 points for the Warriors and looked like the most dangerous player for the team.

#1 Rajon Rondo steps up in the absence of James

Rajon Rondo had a great night for the Lakers and controlled the entire match after the departure of LeBron James due to injury. He finished the game with 15 points and 10 assists and displayed great leadership to rally the troops together and keep them motivated in the absence of James.

Ivica Zubac had another great night starting the game for Lakers. He scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and shot an unreal 9-10 from the floor. He also had 2 blocks for the game and dominated the Warriors from inside the paint.

Seven of the Lakers players scored in double figures, and there were consistent performances from everyone in the team.

The Lakers next visit the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night and will most likely have to cope without LeBron James in that match.