2 Keys to Victory: Lakers vs. Pistons
The Lakers have won four of their last five games and will look to stay hot with a home game against the 8-44 Detroit Pistons.
Detroit has been one of the worst teams in basketball this season, and Los Angeles has a clear advantage. However, anything can happen in the NBA, and no win is guaranteed.
The Pistons are 4-6 in their last ten games, which is their best stretch of the season. LA needs to be prepared for a battle with Detroit, or this game could get away from them quickly.
With that in mind, let’s examine the two keys to a Lakers victory.
The Lakers have found their backup PG. 🔥
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) February 10, 2024
Here’s what Spencer Dinwiddie will bring to the team: https://t.co/mZYE9EhekD
Spencer Dinwiddie finds his role
Tuesday night’s game marks the debut of the newest Lakers, Spencer Dinwiddie. Dinwiddie signed with LA on the buyout market and could have a significant role as the lead guard off the bench.
The 30-year-old is averaging 13/3/6 this season and could be a valuable role player for the LakeShow.
However, it can take time for a player to gain chemistry with the team and fit into a role. The advantage for Dinwiddie is he has played with some of the players on the Lakers roster. Dinwiddie played with D’Angelo Russell and Taurean Prince on the Nets, Rui Hachimura on the Wizards, and Christian Wood on the Mavericks. Having familiarity with multiple players on the roster should help him transition to a new team midseason.
The Lakers are banged up with injuries, and Dinwiddie’s contribution would go a long way toward a victory.
Spencer Dinwiddie says that he spoke with Dlo, Prince, Wood, and Rui which made him even more comfortable and welcomed. Says Rui was happy to see him. (They were teammates) pic.twitter.com/bgSc5SAEmz
— Washed LakersvsHaters 🅿️ (@notlakersgm) February 13, 2024
Lakers limit Pistons' backcourt
While Detroit has struggled, they have a talented young backcourt. Cade Cunningham leads the way as a budding star, averaging 22/4/8. Cunningham’s playmaking and scoring make him one of the league’s best young players.
Alongside Cunningham in the backcourt is Jaden Ivey. Ivey is a talented two-way guard who has exploded over the past five games, averaging 26/5/4.
If the Lakers are able to limit the Pistons backcourt of Cunningham and Ivey, they have a great shot at coming out with a win.
While the Purple and Gold find themselves in 9th place in the Western Conference, they seem to be figuring things out. Despite dealing with multiple injuries, they have rattled off wins in four of their last five games.
This is a very winnable game, and the Lakers should beat the Pistons ahead of their game tomorrow night against the Utah Jazz.