Here is what you need to know before the Lakers face the Atlanta Hawks.
1) It’s all about defense The good news: The Lakers have the talent to be
one of the league’s best defensive teams. The bad news: They haven’t come close
to maximizing that talent lately.
Through the first 29 games of the season, the Lakers ranked eighth in defensive
rating (103.3 points per 100 possessions). Across their nine-game losing streak,
they are last (114.4).
There are plenty of reasons for this decline, including injuries to two of their
best defenders: Lonzo Ball and Brook Lopez. But even with those two back, the
Lakers have struggled to regain that defensive tenacity that allowed them to
compete against the likes of Golden State, Cleveland and Houston.
On some level, it boils down to simple communication and effort, as the Lakers
have been susceptible to backdoor cuts and vulnerable against pick-and-rolls.
If the Lakers are going to snap their slide, they will have to do it on this end
of the floor.
Luke Walton talks about today’s practice emphasis, and the impact Andrew Bogut
had in his short time as a Laker pic.twitter.com/hOr5O9UqpS
2) Expect more Julius in this one With Andrew Bogut waived on Saturday and
Larry Nance Jr. (flu-like symptoms) listed as questionable, that leaves Lopez
and Julius Randle as L.A.’s only healthy rotation bigs.
Randle will likely see more minutes with Nance’s ailment probably limiting him
if he does play. The Lakers like to use small, pace-pushing lineups, which
aren’t as conducive to 7-footers like Lopez, Ivica Zubac and Thomas Bryant.
Randle also has the highest defensive ceiling on the team. He has been the key
to the second unit’s switching defense, as opposing guards have typically failed
to get past the Lakers’ quick-footed big man.
If he is engaged, the Lakers’ defense because exponentially more difficult to
crack. While he is averaging 17.0 points and 10.5 rebounds over the last week,
defense is where the Lakers need most of his effort.
Julius Randle playing some bully-ball down low #NBAVote (: @SpectrumSN &
@spectdeportes) pic.twitter.com/uMldAJ1ag5
3) Atlanta is more dangerous than your typical last-place team Sure, the
Hawks have the worst record of the entire league, but head coach Mike
Budenholzer has done a nice job of getting his guys to excel in certain areas.
The Hawks’ pass-heavy offense leads to quality looks, as they rank fourth in the
NBA in assists (23.8) and fifth in 3-point percentage (37.9). On the other end,
they force the league’s most opponent turnovers (16.6).
Meanwhile, point guard Dennis Schroder is a chore to keep out of the paint, as
he scores the second-most points off drives (11.5).
The Lakers will need to take advantage of Atlanta’s spongey defense. The Hawks
allow opponents to shoot 47.5 percent from the field (third-worst) and are
particularly susceptible on the offensive glass.
Limiting Schroder and efficient offense should lead to a bit of L.A. revenge
against Atlanta after that Rams-Falcons playoff game.
Injury Report Lakers: Larry Nance Jr. (flu-like symptoms) is probable. Hawks:
Dewayne Dedmon (left tibia stress reaction) and DeAndre’ Bembry (left groin
strain) are out. Mike Muscala (sprained left ankle) is probable.
Tip-Off: 6:30 p.m. PT TV: Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum Deportes Radio: 710
ESPN and 1330 KWKW Unis: White Location: STAPLES Center — Los Angeles,
California
Click here to view game notes for this contest.
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