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Lakers vs Cavaliers Preview: On the Brink of Change

By Cody Williams

Jan 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half of the NBA game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half of the NBA game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kobe Bryant makes his last trip to Cleveland as the Lakers take on LeBron James and the Cavaliers

The Los Angeles Lakers have been showing a ton of promise as of late, including two spirited efforts against playoff teams in their last two outings against the Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs. However, they’ll need that same level of performance on Wednesday night as they travel to Quicken Loans Arena to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in Kobe Bryant‘s last game in Cleveland and the Lakers’ last game before the All-Star break.

After the Lakers loss to the Pacers on Monday night, Kobe said that he didn’t feel particularly well in regards to his ailing shoulder, which certainly doesn’t bode well for him coming into this game. And while this season as a whole largely is about Bryant and his impending retirement, that’s not what the focus of the Lakers and fans is on right now.

Be it because of front office ultimatums handed down to Byron Scott, obvious revelations, or hands being forced due to injuries, things that fans have been calling for to happen all season have been as the Lakers have been performing impressively as of late. Julius Randle has been featured and getting the chance to shine, D’Angelo Russell has finally been getting more opportunities that he’s been deserving of, and even Tarik Black has been dusted off to play minutes in the frontcourt. 

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While the changes as of late have been undoubtedly refreshing, they still aren’t in full-bloom just yet. Lakers fans have to be hoping that moves like Russell being inserted into the starting lineup and potentially even Larry Nance Jr. (once he returns from injury) playing more alongside Randle are on the horizon for this team.

Even if they are, it probably won’t matter against the Cavaliers on Wednesday night. Fans have to hope that the positives that they’ve seen lately will continue to shine through and that the team will stay trending in the right direction. There may be those also hoping for one final Kobe-LeBron James duel on Wednesday. However, the Cavs are the far superior team and the Lakers will be fighting an uphill battle all the way.

What’s important is that the changes necessary to help build the future of the Lakers are at the top of the hill as they fight to climb it.

Los Angeles Lakers at Cleveland Cavaliers

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 10
Start Time: 5 p.m. PT
Location: Cleveland, OH
Arena: Quicken Loans Arena
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: Here

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Cavaliers -15.5
Moneyline: Cavaliers -3100, Lakers +1100
O/U: 208

Injury Report

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

Cleveland Cavaliers: Matthew Dellavedova (hamstring)—Questionable

Prediction

While the Lakers have been able to remain competitive against far superior teams quite often as of late, I’m not sure they’re going to be able to keep that up against the Cavaliers. Even if they do, I don’t see Kobe and company picking up the victory in his last venture to Cleveland.

Final. 116. 156. 98. 20

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