The Lakers play Brooklyn on Friday night, at Staples center.
Both Brooklyn and the Lakers were outmaneuvered at the trade deadline. Brooklyn, desperate to reduce salary, thought they had a buyer in Oklahoma City. But the Thunder were concerned about Brook Lopez’s $16 million dollar player option. Instead, the Thunder made a deal with Utah for Enes Kanter, leaving the Nets with a $87 million dollar payroll and another huge tax bill. But the Nets did acquire Thaddeus Young (14 points, 5 rebounds) who can help them in the frontcourt.
The Lakers will roll out the same starting 5 that has won one game since Byron Scott went to his “new” starting lineup. The Lakers have lost 10 out of their last 11 games in their hunt for the worst record in the NBA.
Feeling threatened by the Lakers continued disgrace, the 76ers traded their best player in order to maintain their slim one game advantage over the Lakers. The Lakers and 76ers play each other in March to decide who the worst team in the NBA really is.
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As for Brooklyn, they are a mirror image of the Lakers except where it counts, the playoff race. Brooklyn is one game out of the 8th spot while the Lakers are 15 games out of the 8th spot. Otherwise, their similarities are glaring. Brooklyn makes 7 three point shots per game, same as the Lakers. Brooklyn and the Lakers are tied with 20 assists per game. Brooklyn scores 95 points a game, the Lakers 99. Brooklyn shoots 44%, the Lakers shoot 43%. Brooklyn pulls in 42 rebounds, the Lakers 44. Neither team is blessed with explosiveness or athleticism. But, Brooklyn plays in the Eastern Conference.
If Brooklyn has one advantage over the Lakers it is close game execution. Brooklyn has two closers: Joe Johnson and Jarrett Jack. The Lakers don’t have any. Brooklyn has a point guard (Deron Williams) who has great court vision and makes the right play. He is highly trusted. The Lakers have a rookie learning on the job. Most importantly, Brooklyn’s defense isn’t the league’s worst, giving up 106 points a game.
At the end of the day, defense matters. It’s been 18 days since the Lakers won a home game. Fans have abandoned the sinking ship, television ratings are in the toilet. But Jordan Hill returns after a two week absence and if the Lakers have any chance at all, it rests upon his shoulders.