Game Preview: Lakers vs Nets

The Lakers welcome the Brooklyn Nets to Crypto.Com Arena with LA picking up form lately. Brooklyn comes into tonight 16-24 on the season and Lakers will be looking for another win. Cam Reddish remains out for the Lakers, while LeBron James is questionable and Anthony Davis is probable. Gabe Vincent is out for tonight as well.

D’Angelo Russell

Russell has provided good offense for the Lakers since coming back in the starting lineup. His shooting and secondary playmaking alongside LeBron James has been invaluable to the Lakers over the last few games. Despite the trade rumors around D’Angelo, he is playing with great confidence as a nice third option in the lineup next to James and Davis. LA needs to ensure Russell continues to see the ball as he is a volume scorer and is having a real positive impact right now. With him playing this way the Lakers will be tough to beat.

Rim Pressure

Despite having great defensive individuals in Mikal Bridges, Dorian Finney-Smith, and others, the Nets have struggled at the defense end this year. Outside of Nic Claxton, Brooklyn lacks a true inside presence to deal with Anthony Davis and the Lakers rim pressure. Meanwhile, LA’s offense has picked up since the new starting lineup has come together offensively and they do a lot of damage around the rim.

Tip off is at 10:30 ET and LA will be looking to continue their winning ways with a good performance tonight against a struggling Brooklyn team.