Los Angeles Lakers: 3 must-win games for the rest of the regular season
By Robert Marvi
3. Mar. 6 vs the Milwaukee Bucks
Right now, the Milwaukee Bucks are probably the best team in the NBA. They have the league’s best record, and they rank in the top three in offensive rating, defensive rating, shooting percentage and fastbreak points.
In late December, the two teams faced off and the Bucks beat the Lakers 111-104 in a game that didn’t seem as close as the score indicated. The Lakers played very poorly in the first half, and although they outscored Milwaukee 58-46 in the second half, it wasn’t enough.
The Bucks seem to have it all. Giannis Antetokounmpo is like a younger, taller and leaner version of LeBron James, while Khris Middleton is a very capable sidekick and an All-Star in his own right. Middleton is one of the NBA’s most feared marksmen, as he’s hitting 44.3 percent of his 3-pointers this season.
Eric Bledsoe hurts teams with his ability to penetrate and finish near the rim. He also makes life easier on Antetokounmpo by relieving him of the burden of always having to bring the ball upcourt.
Their bench may not be the best in the NBA, but it’s very capable thanks to role players such as George Hill, Pat Connaughton, Kyle Korver and Ersan Ilyasova.
The Lakers have a lack of wins against fellow title contenders. Getting one against the Bucks in early March will help prove they can win the world championship this season.