Los Angeles Lakers vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Game 17 preview, odds, live stream

Los Angeles Lakers, Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance Jr. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers, Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance Jr. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers pay their lone visit of the season to the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday night. We have all the information you need to enjoy the game!

The Los Angeles Lakers lengthiest road trip of the season thus far concludes tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It has been a so-so trip thus far, as the Lakers lost to the Orlando Magic on the first night of a back-to-back set in the back of an embarrassing defensive effort.

However, they bounced back against the Miami Heat behind 51 points from LeBron James. James destroyed his former team and will look to continue that dominance against his hometown Cavaliers.

This will be an emotional game. James is returning home for the first time in a Lakers jersey, the second time he will return to Cleveland wearing a different jersey. How will the fans react this time? Well, you better not boo for fear of being chastised by George Hill.

What the fans do is their own business, but the Lakers have some business of their own to handle. The loss to the Magic was not an ideal start to the road trip, but closing it out with two consecutive wins would be a nice way to bounce back.

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While the Cavaliers enter this game with an NBA worst 2-13 record, they will be motivated tonight. You can be sure that Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. will bring it against their former team. The whole roster will get up for a chance to play against James, as well.

However, motivation will only get you so far. Without veterans such as Kevin Love, J.R. Smith and Hill, the Cavaliers don’t have much firepower. The Lakers are clearly the more talented team. If they come into Cleveland ready to handle their business, they will leave with a victory.

You know James will come ready to play. Will the rest of his teammates be ready to back him up and get him a victory in Cleveland against his former team? We will have to tune in to find out!

the past three games for the Lakers.

Luke Walton seems to be settling in on a rotation more, as players are beginning to buy into and get comfortable with their roles. There are still some things to iron out, but they are looking better now than they did two weeks ago.

It is still early, but it is never too early to begin asserting yourself. Portland has been playing very well this season, as they come into the game with a 10-3 record. The Lakers, on the other hand, come in at 7-6.

Los Angeles is in the midst of a soft part of their schedule. If they can knock off the Trail Blazers tonight, they could put together a lengthy winning streak. Picking up a win tonight is important as the Lakers are also set to embark on a three-game road trip beginning this upcoming weekend.

Game Info

Date: November 21st, 2018

Start time: 8 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. PT

Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Stadium: Quicken Loans Arena

TV Info: ESPN, SpecSN

Radio: 710 AM ESPN / 1330 AM ESPN DEPORTES, WTAM 1100 / 100.7 WMMS / 87.7 FM (ESP)

Live Stream: FuboTV

Betting Info

The Lakers are rather large favorites heading into this game, and rightfully so. Los Angeles is gaining their footing, while Cleveland is struggling mightily. The Cavaliers may thrive off the energy in the crowd at the start of the game, but expect the Lakers to eventually wear them down. Cleveland has been blown out of their last two games, and a third consecutive blowout would not surprise anyone.

Spread: Lakers -9

Moneyline: Lakers -400 up to -450, Cavaliers +325 up to +360

Total: 221 points

Projected Starting Lineups

Lakers

PG: Lonzo Ball

SG: Brandon Ingram

SF: LeBron James

PF: Kyle Kuzma

C: JaVale McGee

Cavaliers

PG: Collin Sexton

SG: Rodney Hood

SF: Cedi Osman

PF: Larry Nance Jr.

C: Tristan Thompson