Lakers vs Pacers Preview: Return to the Glory Days

Thursday Kobe Bryant and the Lakers look for a win in the place where he won his first championship

If you’re a lifetime fan of the Purple and Gold, you know the significance that Indiana has in Lakers lore. After a 12 year drought, Indiana served as the location that Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal led the Lakers to their 11th championship, putting the league on notice that the duo was no sham.

Returning to play the Pacers Monday afternoon will serve as a bittersweet occurrence for the Black Mamba, despite the fact that a tribute video won’t be shown per usual. With Larry Bird running the front office and Paul George leading on the court, you will see a beautiful immersion of past, present and future on Monday.

The Lakers come into the game an 11 point underdog, but with their improved play as of late, largely due in part to Byron Scott‘s confusing turn around as head coach, the game could be more competitive than advertised.

With injuries to Roy Hibbert, Larry Nance Jr.and Julius Randle, hopefully Tarik Black will be able to sneak into the lineup.

The Pacers enter a less than stellar 27-24, clinging onto the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference but with a healthy Paul George will look to make noise in the rapidly approaching playoffs. This will also serve as Roy Hibbert’s first homecoming since being traded to the Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Indiana Pacers

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Date: Monday, Feb. 8
Start Time: 4:00 p.m. PT
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Arena: Bankers Life Fieldhouse
TV Info: TWC Sportsnet
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Radio: Here

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Pacers -11.5
Moneyline: Pacers -1050, Lakers +700
O/U: 206.5

Injury Report

Los Angeles Lakers: Larry Nance Jr. (knee)—Out, Kobe Bryant (shoulder)—Probable, Julius Randle (ankle)—Probable, Roy Hibbert (ankle)—Questionable

Indiana Pacers: Rodney Stuckey (ankle)—Out

Next: Phil Jackson Reunion in Los Angeles in the Works?

Prediction

The Lakers are unable to find an answer for Paul George and fall to the Pacers 108-96. Additionally, Los Angeles fans get a first hand account of what all the Myles Turner hype is about.

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