Lakers vs Bucks Preview: Hunting Progress
The Lakers will look to take steps towards the future as their young core leads the way against the Bucks
Fans everywhere are rejoicing on Monday as rookie point guard D’Angelo Russell is finally back in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers and will be for the remainder of the regular season. Russell will make his second start in the backcourt alongside Jordan Clarkson in as many games as the Lakers stay on the road to face the Milwaukee Bucks in the BMO Harris Bradley Center.
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Though Russell and the Lakers lost on Sunday night against the Chicago Bulls, they showed the young core of Russell, Clarkson and Julius Randle all played together in the starting rotation and were impressive—at least on the offensive end of the floor—for much of the night. Sure, their defense is going to need major work, but that’s the case with numerous young players and teams so it’s hard to pick nits in that regard.
Honestly, wins and losses being important to this team went out the window a long time ago. Sure, they may still be somewhat meaningful to Byron Scott as he’s assumedly still coaching for his job security, but the Lakers are almost whole-heartedly focused on hoping that they retain their first-round pick in the 2016 NBA Draft and now on developing the young core together to better set up the franchise for the future.
Even if the Lakers aren’t concerned about winning, though, they could have a chance to do so against the Bucks on the road. The Bucks have struggled mightily all season and the backcourt of Clarkson and Russell creates problems for any defense while Randle should also be able to go to work against Jabari Parker.
Regardless of the outcome, though, things are now set for the Lakers to start moving forward as the young core is now getting the opportunity to be featured and start to grow together. The next step now is to start that journey forward and to start showing progress.
Los Angeles Lakers at Milwaukee Bucks
Date: Monday, Feb. 22
Start Time: 5 p.m. PT
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Arena: BMO Harris Bradley Center
TV Info: TWC Sportsnet
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Radio: Here
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Bucks -9
Moneyline: Bucks -440, Lakers +355
O/U: 210
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant (shoulder, finger)—Probable
Milwaukee Bucks: Jerryd Bayless (knee)—Out, John Henson (back)—Out, Greivis Vasquez (ankle)—Out
Next: Russell Eager to Prove He Deserves Starting Job
Prediction
Perhaps it’s all of the excitement stemming from the fact that Russell is now a part of the starting lineup, but the Lakers should have a chance to really attack this struggling Bucks team. Randle should have a big night against a shaky Milwaukee frontcourt in regards to their defense and Russell should be able to continue proving himself alongside a quietly hot Clarkson.
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