Predictions
The Lakers’ next game will be on Wednesday in Arizona as they take on the Phoenix Suns. Below are my predictions for Kyle Kuzma, LeBron James, Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball, and JaVale McGee.
Kyle Kuzma
Stats Predicted: 35 min, 21 pts, 7 rebs, 2 asts, 1 stl, 8/17 FG, 3/6 3FG, 2/2 FT
Kyle Kuzma should see heavy minutes once again as the Lakers face a tall Suns frontcourt consisting of Deandre Ayton and Ryan Anderson. Kuz will probably not show up as much on the boards due to his height disadvantage, but his versatility will definitely get him to score 20+ once again.
LeBron James
Stats Predicted: 35 min, 28 pts, 10 rebs, 6 asts, 1 stl, 1 blk, 10/18 FG, 2/4 3FG, 6/8 FT
LeBron James will once again lead the Lakers offense. He will probably have his most efficient outing yet as he will be facing a young, inexperienced Suns team. More importantly, he will be fighting for the Lakers’ first win of the season. Due to the Suns’ height advantage, LeBron will probably have to be more active on the boards and will finish the evening with 10. Lastly, James will lead the Lakers in scoring in a victory.
Josh Hart
Stats Predicted: 33 min, 16 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk, 6/13 FG, 1/3 3FG, 3/4 FT
Josh Hart has outplayed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in all three games of the season so far. It would not be shocking if Coach Luke Walton decided to switch lineups and start Hart this game. This especially would not be far-fetched since the Lakers will need a defensive answer to Suns’ star guard Devin Booker. Hart will play another solid game and finish with double-digit points. He will also be strong on the boards once again finishing with 5+.
Lonzo Ball
Stats Predicted: 30 min, 12 pts, 4 reb, 10 ast, 2 stl, 5/11 FG, 1/4 3FG, 1/2 FT
Lonzo Ball will have another Ball-esque game. The Chino Hills product will finish the night with his first double-double of the season. Ball’s hot shooting stretch from deep will finally come to a close, but he will still manage to make one triple. Even though he will not be as effective from deep, Ball will finish the night shooting above 40 percent from the floor.
JaVale McGee
Stats Predicted: 28 min, 12 pts, 7 reb, 2 blk, 5/8 FG, 2/4 FT
JaVale McGee will see nearly 30 minutes of action in this contest as he will be the biggest presence on the floor – physically. McGee should finish with double-digits once again and chip in a couple blocks.
Team
Final Score Predicted: 112-101, a Lakers Win
This is the first time that LeBron James has started 0-3 in a season since his rookie year. Moreover, facing an inexperienced Suns team will make this all the easier for the King and crew. The Lakers should win this game 112-101.