Lakers seek redemption against Hawks
The Lakers will welcome the Atlanta Hawks to Los Angeles on the second night of a back-to-back. These teams last met on December 6th, and the Hawks won an overtime thriller. However, the Lakers did not have Austin Reaves available that night.
A win tonight for the Lakers would make it their 4th in the last five games. Here is how they can do just that.
Austin Reaves has 4 straight double-doubles and is averaging 25.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 11.8 assists since Christmas 🤯
He’s taking that next step right in front of our eyes 📈 https://t.co/occSnFIcf5 pic.twitter.com/xtDZO3Bsv5
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) January 3, 2025
Austin Reaves vs Dyson Daniels
Austin Reaves has been on an absolute tear the last four games, averaging just over 25 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists a game. This breakout coincides with Reaves being handed the keys as the full-time starting point guard. However, Reaves will face his toughest matchup yet as he goes against The Great Barrier Thief, Dyson Daniels.
Daniels has emerged as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA this season, leading the league in steals at 3.1 per game and averaging just shy of a block each night.
His 6’6 frame and length make it difficult for him to get past, and the Lakers will need Reaves to maintain at least some of his recent success despite Daniels’ ability if they want to win.
Containing the “Other” Hawks
In the first matchup of the season between these two teams, the Lakers held Trae Young to just 36% shooting from the field. Young’s 20 assists to the Hawks’ supporting cast, specifically De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic, caused issues for the Lakers’ defense.
Hunter scored 26 points in that December 6th matchup, shooting 60% from the field and making five threes. Bogdanovic, meanwhile, scored 20 points, including eight points in the fourth quarter alone on 3/3 shooting.
The Lakers must contain these two, as well as Jalen Johnson, who is the favorite for the Most Improved Player award. Dorian Finney-Smith, Cam Reddish, and Max Christie will primarily be responsible for completing this task.
Getting Dalton Knecht Going
If there was ever a team for Dalton Knecht to break out of his offensive slump against, it’s the Hawks. Atlanta has the 27th-worst scoring defense and allows opponents to shoot 38.3% from 3, which ranks dead last in the league.
With the Lakers rookie coming off the worst month of his young career, the team should look to emphasize Knecht in the offense both beyond the 3-point line and inside the arc.
When Knecht is connecting, the offense unlocks a dynamic we saw earlier in the season that makes it even more difficult for teams to guard them.
