Los Angeles Lakers vs. Brooklyn Nets Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers (21-17) will play the Brooklyn Nets (14-27) at home on Friday night. The Lakers are looking for their second straight win after beating the Heat on Wednesday.
Ahead of the Lakers-Nets matchup, let’s break down a couple of keys to victory.
The Lakers take on D’Lo for the first time since trading him 🍿
Make your predictions 👀 pic.twitter.com/rLwncf1VHX
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) January 17, 2025
Containing former Laker D’Angelo Russell
D’Angelo Russell returns to LA for the first time since being traded for Dorian Finney-Smith. Russell has appeared in four games with the Nets, averaging 13/2/8 on 41/33/87 shooting splits.
The 28-year-old guard is taking on a more prominent playmaker role with Brooklyn than he did with the Lakers. Expect Russell to orchestrate the Nets’ offense, with LA countering with Max Christie and Gabe Vincent as defenders on him.
Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht’s minutes
With Finney-Smith out and Anthony Davis questionable, the Lakers will need more scoring output from their role players.
Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht have both had their ups and downs this season, but they could be crucial in getting a win over the Nets.
The Purple and Gold should be able to win tonight against one of the worst teams in basketball. However, they can’t take Brooklyn for granted, as the moment you let up, any team will take advantage.
