Los Angeles Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks Game Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers welcome the Atlanta Hawks to Crypto.com Arena tonight for an interconference showdown. The Lakers squad aims to capitalize on home court after a tough three-game losing streak.
Holding strong in the Western Conference elite, the Lakers face a Hawks team pushing for Eastern playoff spots and riding a three-game win streak, testing the Lakers’ consistency amid a packed schedule.
The Lakers look to end their 3-game losing streak against the Hawks tonight 🙏 pic.twitter.com/pXNHd2aXjd
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) January 13, 2026
Luka Doncic and LeBron James both questionable
LeBron James and Luka Doncic are both questionable for tonight’s game, mainly due to the back-to-back slate. James is under a careful load management protocol to peak for the postseason. With the team focusing on his durability, he might sit out.
Similarly, Doncic is questionable but remains the offensive engine if he plays, ready to shoulder extra responsibility for creation and scoring. Their dynamic partnership has fueled L.A.’s success. Still, if either or both rest, the supporting cast must step up.
New Faces in Atlanta
The Hawks are without their former cornerstone, Trae Young, who was traded this past week to the Washington Wizards. Young’s departure has reshaped the Hawks’ offense, with Atlanta acquiring CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert in the deal to bolster their backcourt and wing depth.
McCollum brings veteran scoring and playmaking, while Kispert adds sharpshooting and spacing. Without Young’s pick-and-roll mastery, the Hawks lean on Luke Kennard, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Jalen Johnson for primary creation, potentially creating exploitable gaps for L.A.’s defense. The Lakers must stay vigilant against the Hawks’ adjusted, youth-driven attack.
Rui Hachimura’s Return and Bench Stepping Up
With injuries piling up, the Lakers’ depth and bench are vital against Atlanta’s fast-paced style, bolstered by the return of Rui Hachimura after missing time with a calf strain. Hachimura, who will be on severe minute restrictions, adds scoring versatility and post presence, easing the load on the stars.
“He’ll likely come off the bench” — JJ Redick details Rui Hachimura’s role upon return from a right calf issue. Hachimura will be on a minutes restriction to begin with, which could keep Jake LaRavia as a starter pic.twitter.com/cUJOND9095
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 11, 2026
Standouts like Jake LaRavia must continue to excel in all-around play in transition. At the same time, Marcus Smart brings defensive intensity and playmaking. Jarred Vanderbilt provides rebounding and hustle on the wings, crucial for containing Jalen Johnson.
In the frontcourt, center DeAndre Ayton anchors with rim protection, and Jaxson Hayes offers athleticism off the bench. Prioritizing ball movement and rebounding counters the Hawks’ athleticism. Redick’s fluid offense has excelled in tough spots, but stifling drives and Atlanta’s bench surge demand total commitment from the reserves.
