Los Angeles Lakers: Predicting game-by-game record in final eight games
By Jason Reed
5. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Toronto Raptors — Loss
The Los Angeles Lakers are 0-1 against the Toronto Raptors this season and I think that the Lakers will fall again to the defending champs. In a seven-game series, the Lakers would get the job done, but in a one-game matchup, Toronto poses a tough matchup.
Toronto is one of the best three-point shooting teams in the league, which appears to be the best way to beat the Lakers. The Lakers have solid three-point shooters, but they can be out-shot from beyond the arc by a great three-point shooting team and the Raptors are one of those teams.
The Raptors did not shoot the Lakers out of the building last time they matched up but coming up against the best team in the West, the Raptors are going to look to make a statement and walk away with an overtime win.
6. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Indiana Pacers — Win
The Indiana Pacers are an interesting team and have the star power with Malcolm Brogdon, Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis to make some noise in the playoffs this season. It is interesting to note that while Oladipo was healthy at the time of the hiatus, this did give him more time to get on the backside of his injury.
However, it also prevented him from getting back into game speed, which is going to present a challenge for Oladipo and the Pacers. Oladipo was already struggling once he returned, averaging only 13.8 points per game and shooting 39.1 percent, and the negative play and fit with Brogdon seemed to hold the team back.
The Pacers are 7-6 in the 13 games that Oladipo played this season and never got the chance to figure out that fit and make it work. With a four-month lay-off, they won’t be able to overcome a team like the Lakers without this time together.