The Lakers will limp into STAPLES Center for a tough test against the Hawks
The Los Angeles Lakers are in a bit of a tricky situation on Friday night as they welcome the Atlanta Hawks to STAPLES Center. Not only are they just a far worse team on paper in the most normal of circumstances, but the Lakers will also be without Kobe Bryant and Jordan Clarkson for this game after both players were originally listed as questionable.
More from Lake Show Life
- 3 most underrated players currently on the Los Angeles Lakers roster
- 2 Lakers who would benefit the most from a Kyrie Irving trade
- Victor Oladipo’s Russell Westbrook comments are terrible sign for Lakers
- 4 Free agent fits for the Lakers while they wait on Kyrie Irving
- 3 Most likely positions the Lakers will use for the last roster spot
With Lou Williams also out, the bulk of the offense is going to go through D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle on Friday night against the Hawks. Admittedly, it’s going to be see how the rookie point guard and second-year power forward perform in that capacity with that responsibility being put on their shoulders, but it also really doesn’t bode particularly well for the team that they are going to be so non-versatile offensively.
On the opposite end of the floor, things are also likely going to be pretty awful for the Lakers. Not only has LA just generally been awful defensively this season, but the Hawks’ ability to move the ball on offense could cause the Lakers a substantial amount of problems—or more problems than they already have on a normal basis.
There are certainly high hopes about what Russell and Randle could show in this role on Friday night, which is a good thing and could prove to provide a ton of optimism for fans. When you get down to it, though, the deck is really stacked against the Lakers and Friday night seems to be on track to be a good one for the tank.
Atlanta Hawks at Los Angeles Lakers
Date: Friday, March 4
Start Time: 7:30 p.m. PT
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Arena: STAPLES Center
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: Here
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Hawks -10
Moneyline: Hawks -600, Lakers +460
O/U: 205
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers: Jordan Clarkson (knee)—Out, Kobe Bryant (shoulder)—Out, Lou Williams (leg)—Out
Atlanta Hawks: Tiago Splitter (hip)—Out
Next: Five 2nd Round Draft Targets for the Lakers
Prediction
Though the Hawks would have the advantage in this matchup against the Lakers regardless, the absence of Clarkson, Kobe, and Williams really doesn’t bode well for the offense at all. Hopefully fans will again be able to see Russell shine in an elevated role with all of those key players out of action, but this doesn’t feel like it’s going to be the Lakers’ night or even remotely close.