Los Angeles Lakers: 3 bold predictions for showdown vs. Utah Jazz

By Jason Reed | Aug 3, 2020

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - JULY 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 30, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

(Photo by Ashley Landis – Pool/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. LeBron James records a 30-point triple-double

LeBron James has been okay thus far in the bubble. He had a solid first game that included a fantastic game-winning putback dunk as well as an excellent, genius, defensive stand against both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to seal the game.

Against the Raptors, he was not as great. Although the box score still suggests he did just fine, he did turn the ball over four times, played uninspired defense at times and still only scored 20 points.

James is going to have his best game of the bubble thus far against the Utah Jazz and is going to go-off following a poor showing with a 30-point triple-double. He got close to that already this season against Utah with a 32-10-7 game.

There are two reasons for this train of thought. First is LeBron’s desire to rebound after a tough loss and remind everyone that the Lakers are the team to beat in the West. Second is that Anthony Davis is going to have another iffy game, so expect LeBron to take on more of the workload.

Davis was not good against Toronto at all and was playing too passive at times. I think he will be better and be more aggressive against Utah, but with Rudy Gobert protecting the rim, he still is going to have a mediocre game for his standards.

Home/Lakers News