The Lakers must win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive, as a loss would send them spiraling downward in their conference with Suns and Spurs above them.
Our advanced model has run simulations of this matchup 10,000 times and leans toward an Over. To see all our expert NBA picks, visit SportsLine now.
LeBron James
After leading his Cleveland Cavaliers back into the Finals during his first season back, LeBron James decided to join Los Angeles Lakers. Once there, he immediately set about restoring their former glory by winning them their first championship since 1958 – earning himself the reputation as one of NBA history’s greatest players and returning the Lakers back into playoff contention each of his first two years with them.
LeBron understands the significance of mental wellness just as strongly as physical fitness, and works hard to educate and empower people around the world to recognize and appreciate its significance, providing tools necessary to reach their full potential. His efforts with Calm and Liverpool FC as an owner-owner also serve to make an impactful difference for young people through sports’ influence on lives while his I PROMISE School offers emotional supports.
Last week at Kaseya Center after Los Angeles’ 41-point thrashing by Miami, James and Davis were assigned lockers next to each other as reporters surrounded them eager to hear how their defense had been completely dismantled.
One Western Conference scout who reviewed both games concluded: the Lakers weren’t even trying.
That’s a concerning thought for a team like the Lakers, which enter Friday’s matchup against Minnesota Timberwolves with an 13-11 record and are sitting pretty in terms of games won. Not only could such a development harm their immediate futures but could potentially derail their entire campaign.
Fact is, the Lakers don’t have any viable options other than James and Davis when it comes to scoring points on their own. While they have managed this in their two seasons together, their lack of assistance has resulted in third-worst net efficiency for big three minutes this season.
Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis has become one of the premier big men in the league and one of the most decorated players in NBA history. Since being selected first overall in 2012 NBA draft, he has earned nine All-Star selections; five All-NBA team selections; two All-Defensive team honors as well as Olympic gold medals with United States national team.
On Sunday evening, Davis scored 40 points and grabbed 16 rebounds to lead his Memphis Grizzlies past them 116-110 in a win. Davis finished strong by scoring his first career slam dunk while injured; unfortunately he twisted his left ankle while going up for it and had to sit briefly before coming back in later in the game.
Davis is expected to return for Friday’s matchup against Minnesota Timberwolves, as Lakers head coach Byron Scott knows it would be devastating for their chances. Without Davis on the court, their chances would become significantly less certain and would suffer as a result of missing time due to injury or illness.
The Lakers have been an impressive defensive team this season, but recently have struggled offensively. Turnovers have become an issue as 22 times have been committed in three games during that stretch – something which should not happen so frequently for them.
Though their recent struggles, the Lakers still have an opportunity to turn things around when they meet Sacramento Kings on April 16. While much work needs to be done, if they play better defense and prioritize getting the ball into their most talented players it could make all of the difference in terms of victory or defeat.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Gilgeous-Alexander is a young point guard who represents the future of his franchise, the Thunder. A rising star in the league, he can score, distribute and defend. A valuable addition to any team and high ceiling player. In 2016, he earned the NBA Most Improved Player award and looks poised to lead them back into playoff contention this year.
On Friday night, the Lakers and Thunder will face off in a crucial Emirates NBA Cup clash that could feature LeBron James versus Anthony Davis as well as Gilgeous-Alexander continuing his success with his Thunder side against LeBron and Anthony.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, commonly referred to as SGA, is a Canadian basketball superstar playing for Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. Widely considered one of the premier point guards, SGA is poised to lead them towards playoff contention this season.
SGA started his season strong with two 30-point double-doubles, and has continued his dominance both offensively and defensively. On October 25 he scored 31 points on 13-of-22 field goals and provided 10 assists, followed by 39 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals in a win against Detroit on November 6.
SGA has averaged 30 points, seven assists, and six rebounds over his past four games, shooting an impressive 7-13 from three-point range. Lakers must watch out for him because of his dual scoring threat both inside and outside of three point territory.
The Thunder have started the season strong and currently sit second in the Western Conference with a 27-11 record, but in order to make the playoffs they must maintain their momentum and play against Los Angeles Lakers on Friday Night – this game will provide another big test of SGA’s mettle.
Chet Holmgren will likely face Anthony Davis both defensively and offensively, so he must be up for an epic challenge. Davis is an outstanding rebounder and shot blocker who could surpass Serge Ibaka’s rookie record of 98 blocks this season. To help the Thunder advance further in their playoff run, Holmgren must remain healthy so as to help reach that goal.
Dalton Knecht
Dalton Knecht has always been an enthusiastic gym rat. According to Tennessee basketball’s website, his mother Carrie revealed that as a pre-teen he would play against kids older than him in basketball leagues; so she forced him into attending library three or four times each week in order for him to complete both schoolwork and ball.
On Tuesday, Knecht set an NBA rookie record by hitting nine 3-point field goals in a 124-118 win against Utah Jazz. His efforts helped the Lakers defeat Utah by six points; this accomplishment came even with LeBron James and Anthony Davis on their benches as substitutes – something no rookie ever managed.
Over the last several weeks, Knecht has quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier rookies. His shooting and passing skills are impressive for someone drafted 17th overall and have provided him with a firm grasp of his team’s defensive system. Knecht is an extremely confident scorer with seemingly unlimited range, making him an especially dangerous option from deep.
Only time will tell whether Knecht can become an impact player. He possesses a rare combination of abilities that makes him highly effective, yet is still developing and may experience growing pains as he goes along. While not very quick or athletic, Knecht excels at handling the ball off dribble from well beyond 3-point line while pulling up off off dribble off-dribble and shooting open jumpers effortlessly.
Knecht still needs work on his defense, but he should quickly adjust. He must learn new positions while potentially facing struggles due to length or strength limitations, but has the potential of becoming one of the premier defensive players in the league.
Knecht is among several players who have traveled a torturous journey to reach the NBA, but his patience will likely pay off in spades. A versatile player capable of covering various positions on the floor, Knecht will become an indispensable member of Los Angeles Lakers for years to come.
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