Predictions
The Lakers’ next game will be tonight in Los Angeles as they host the Denver Nuggets. Below are my predictions for Lance Stephenson, LeBron James, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart.
Lance Stephenson
Stats Predicted: 21 min, 9 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl, 4/10 FG, 0/2 3FG, 1/2 FT
Like I said before, the stats that Lance Stephenson put up against the Suns will probably be his best for the season. Nonetheless, Born Ready still has a key role off of the bench. In his matchup against the Nuggets, Stephenson will be the all-around playmaker off of the bench. Although he will not finish with double-digit scoring, Lance will be active on the glass and in the passing game.
LeBron James
Stats Predicted: 37 min, 31 pts, 7 reb, 11 ast, 1 blk, 11/19 FG, 3/6 3FG, 6/8 FT
more. This, tied in with the Lakers 1-3 record, should motivate LeBron to have his best performance of the season yet. Moreover, winning his first game in STAPLES Center against a Nuggets team that we may see in the playoffs would be quite memorable. Since the Lakers have the pace advantage, I see LBJ playing a bit more of the point guard role in this contest. The best player in the world will finish the night with his first 30+ point effort while dishing out 10+ assists.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Stats Predicted: 25 min, 11 pts, 3 reb, 1 stl, 4/10 FG, 2/6 3FG, 1/2 FT
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will likely come off of the bench once again. KCP will still not be as efficient as Lakers’ fans had hoped for, but he will offer a double-digit scoring effort off of the bench. It is highly possible that Caldwell-Pope’s performance be the X-factor to a victory in this matchup.
Lonzo Ball
Stats Predicted: 35 min, 14 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast, 2 stl, 5/11 FG, 2/5 3FG, 2/3 FT
Lonzo Ball will be one of the most important players in this matchup as he faces off against Jamal Murray – one of the Nuggets’ best players. Zo will do what he does and provide the best options for the team. He will score in double-digits and have 5+ assists once again. He will also knock down a couple triples and have a couple steals.
Josh Hart
Stats Predicted: 30 min, 16 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk, 7/12 FG, 1/3 3FG, 1/2 FT
Josh Hart and Garry Harris will probably have the most even matchup tomorrow as both guards are unselfish and underrated defenders. Josh will probably start once again. He should finish with 15+ points and 5+ rebounds. Josh’s defense – not necessarily his defensive stats – will be huge for a Lakers victory.
Team
Final Score Predicted: 109-104, a Lakers win
Although the Nuggets are undefeated, LeBron James will lead his team to their first home victory in this contest. Moreover, this will be the first game where the Lakers show glimpses of their capabilities against powerful Western Conference teams. The Lakers should win this game 109-104.