The Lakers’ proving ground
The Los Angeles Lakers have lived up to the expectations thus far as they are number one in the West and co-owners of the best record in the league at 24-4. With a considerably light schedule in November, though, the much tougher slate this December is the one to look out for according to critics, and what better way to squash that doubt and prove what they’ve done with a road win against Giannis Antetokounmpo and his Milwaukee Bucks.
LeBron James will have his work cut out for him, and he must march out with a chip in their shoulders. LeBron’s per game numbers are at 25.9 points and 10.6 assists (first in the league).
James is going to hope Anthony Davis plays, because no one else on the team can produce his 27.4 points and 2.6 blocks (2nd in the league and trails the leader by 0.1). Davis is questionable for the game. Kyle Kuzma won’t be taking part in the game either.
The supporting cast have a chance to get more spotlight. Danny Green, Rajon Rondo, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Avery Bradley, and Alex Caruso each have a tall task in the perimeter opposite the Bucks’ big lineup.
Dwight Howard and Javale McGee, meanwhile, must bully their way in their favourable match-up with Brook and Robin Lopez, while also being in check as the Lopez twins are both shooters now.
The Lakers are 14-1 on the road this season. They are second in points allowed (103.9 PPG) only trail the Milwaukee Bucks in defensive rating.
The angry Bucks
The Bucks, as expected, have maintained their 60-win pace from last season’s breakout year. They have an identical record with the Lakers (24-4) and own the best offense (121 PPG) and best defensive rating in the league.
We should see a Bucks team that’s full of vengeance for tomorrow’s anticipated clash, as they got upset by the visiting and Luka-less Dallas Mavericks this past Tuesday, 120-116. It was a frustrating defeat that ended their 18-game winning streak and spoiled the 48-point performance of The Greek Freak.
With his athleticism, strength, and size, Giannis is like a mixture of James and Davis, and he too will present the same problems that those two present. He’s also a stat sheet stuffer – 31.7 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 56.4 FG%.
Khris Middleton and his two-way playing style will continue being the number two man for the Bucks, especially with starting point guard Eric Bledsoe sidelined with a leg injury. Middelton had a four-game stretch last week where he compiled 23.5 points on 52.1%-shooting.
Like the Lakers’, the rest of the Bucks’ supporting cast, particularly the Lopez twins, George Hill, Wesley Matthews, and Donte Divincenzo, have an opportunity to shine. They collectively provide damage from anywhere and the team’s fast-pace attack will continue to be a fit.
The Bucks are 13-2 at home this season.
