Number one in the West
The 10-2 Los Angeles Lakers are alone in the Western Conference standings for the first time in years. They are now on winners of three-straight games and hold the top three scoring defense (100.6 PAPG), defensive rating, and shot-blocking numbers (7.3 BPG) in the league. The offense isn’t far behind as well as it is topped with some crisp passing (26.5 APG) and smooth shooting (47.3%), where they are also ranked inside the top three.
Doing what they’re supposed to
The Lakers’ hot start can easily be rooted to their two superstars doing what they’re supposed to. Anthony Davis is providing damage on both ends with 25.5 points and a league-leading 3.0 blocks per game, while LeBron James is attacking and getting everyone involved by putting up 24.3 points and a league-leading and also a career-high 11.1 assists per game.
Also worth-mentioning in the current Lakers’ brand of ball is the trio of big men in the rotation – Davis, Javale McGee, and Dwight Howard. With AD leading the pack, the other two are giving valuable minutes, as both are averaging over 13 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes. Howard’s two double-doubles this season also feature him going perfect from the field (15-for-15 combined). McGee, meanwhile, had 18 points, 17 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks in Thursday’s blowout win over the Golden State Warriors, a game where he had to produce since Davis was rested.
The Hawks’ unforgiving two-day stretch
The Atlanta Hawks enter the game playing on the second night of a back-to-back, with the opponents being the LA Clippers and the LA Lakers. It’s hell for a developing team, especially when you consider how raw the Hawks are.
The Clippers had their way with Young and his teammates, who were mercilessly dispatched by 49 points in a 150-101 loss. Paul George put up 37 points in just 20 minutes against them.
Nevertheless, we can expect Trae Young and his crew to take it to the Lakers. The fatigue will be there, but overall, they do have fresher, younger legs. Look for Young to stay aggressive; he’s averaging over 27 points and nine assists per game. Jabari Parker, who’s on a five-game stretch where he’s posting 22 points and eight rebounds per contest, will remain as the second scorer behind the high-scoring point guard.
The Hawks may also run more plays for the other guys, particularly for rookies DeAndre Hunter and Cam Reddish, and second-year guard Kevin Huerter. Collectively, the three will be bringing in quickness, athleticism, defense, and outside shooting. It should provide some challenge for the Lakers, who are only 29th in opponent fastbreak points and 21st in opponent three-point shooting.
PREDICTION:
The Lakers should be able to take advantage of a tired Hawks team and get the win, the only question is by how large a margin.
