Shorthanded Lakers look to bounce back vs Spurs
The Lakers will play their second game in as many nights and third in four days Tuesday night. Their opponent this time is the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs currently sit at 36-16, good for 2nd in the Western Conference.
The Lakers will be without their entire big three, among others, tonight. This means a win will require perfect execution from everybody else.
Containing Victor Wembanyama
Taking down the Spurs requires limiting their superstar, Victor Wembanyama. This not only means limiting his offensive production, but also finding a way to score around him in the paint.
In terms of defending Wemby, the Lakers have to do what they can to force the French big man to take perimeter jump shots. He is a good shooter from range, hitting 36% of threes on just shy of five attempts per game. But it is better than letting him use his 7’4 frame inside.
When trying to score on Wembanyama, Lakers ball handlers have to get into his body. Any soft takes or lazy lobs to the rim will be swatted away. When the Lakers drive tonight, it has to be with a plan and purpose.
Crash the Glass
By far the biggest statistical gap between these two teams is in the rebounding department. The Spurs are the third-best rebounding team in the NBA, while the Lakers are 27th.
The Lakers will need all five guys on the floor to crash the glass. It is already tough to win shorthanded. But it is even more difficult to do so while giving up second-chance points and not getting any of your own.
Find a Hot Hand
The Lakers will quickly have to find someone who is hot tonight to try to keep them in it. Someone will have to surpass their averages by a significant amount.
The top candidates for this are Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard. Hachimura has been very efficient this season when he does get shots up. Meanwhile, Kennard’s shooting can change the trajectory of a game at any given time.
Wrap Up
Tip-off for tonight’s game is set for 7:30 PM. The game will air on NBATV and Spectrum Sportsnet.
The Lakers will have an off day on Wednesday before playing their final game before the All-Star break on Thursday against the Mavs.
