The Los Angeles Lakers’ defense has been inconsistent in their last three games without Anthony Davis. While they own wealth of talent, the Wizards have been formidable and boast great rhythm at the moment. With Davis and Schroder unavailable, the field has grown quite even for the Wizards.
Pick:
Washington Wizards to Win ()
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How to Watch Washington Wizards vs Los Angeles Lakers
| Washington Wizards vs Los Angeles Lakers Information |
| What |
Washington Wizards vs Los Angeles Lakers |
| Where |
STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, California |
| When |
10:00 PM EST, February 22nd, 2021 |
| How to Watch |
NBATV |
Head-to-Head: Washington Wizards vs Los Angeles Lakers
| Washington Wizards |
Head-to-Head |
Los Angeles Lakers |
| Scott Brooks |
Head Coach |
Frank Vogel |
| 10-17 (13th in East) |
Standing |
22-9 (2nd in West) |
| W-W-W-W |
Form |
L-L-W-L |
| 109.8 (22nd of 30) |
Off Rtg |
111.6 (17th of 30) |
| 114.7 (25th of 30) |
Def Rtg |
105.4 (1st of 30) |
| 103.9 (1st of 30) |
Pace |
98.8 (20th of 30) |
|
Leaders (Per Game)
|
| B. Beal (32.9) |
PPG |
L. James (25.6) |
| R. Westbrook (9.5) |
RPG |
A. Davis (8.4) |
| R. Westbrook (9.7) |
APG |
L. James (7.9) |
| B. Beal (1.4) |
SPG |
A. Davis (1.3) |
| A. Len (1.3) |
BPG |
K. Antetokounmpo (2.0) |
| A. Len (.646)/B. Beal (11.6) |
FG%/FGM |
A. McKinnie (.647)/L. James (9.5) |
| C. Winston (.429)/D. Bertans (2.9) |
3P%/3PM |
J. Dudley (1.00)/L. James (2.4) |
The Dream Is Coming Together
When the Washington Wizards shipped off John Wall over the summer in exchange for Russell Westbrook, there was a fair feeling of apprehension. Twenty games later and now the pair of Beal and Westbrook seem locked in with wins in mind.
In their last match, a win over the Portland Trail Blazers, the Wizards backcourt was unstoppable. Westbrook and Beal combined for 64 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists on 27 of 44 shooting from the field.
While their efficiency is unlikely to be replicated, their on-court understanding is as high as it’s ever been this season. Against a weakened Lakers backcourt, Beal and Westbrook are likely to run free again.
Editor’s Picks
LeBron James Needs Help
The loss of a player of Anthony Davis’ caliber is a massive blow, regardless of who else might be on a roster. However, on just their second two-game losing streak of the season, it is clear that James needs help.
The Lakers have lost three of their last four games and James has been brilliant, averaging 25.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game. His supporting cast have been less than stellar though.
The only consistent factor has been Montrezl Harrell’s hustle. Which, while valuable, is offset by his lack of individual ability on the court. If the likes of Caldwell-Pope or Wes Matthews could find the mark from range with consistency, James wouldn’t need to have a massive night for the Lakers to stay in the game.
Wizards Key Player: (F) Rui Hachimura
It speaks to Hachimura’s skillset and professionalism that he has been able to maintain his numbers from last season, despite bringing in another ball-dominant player.
Hachimura is averaging 13.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game on 45.2% shooting from the field. While his offence continues to develop, he size and strength defensively will be crucial in his matchup against LeBron James.
If Hachimura wants to make a big impact against the Lakers, he will have to convert on shots from three-point range. He is averaging just 28.8% shooting from three this season, not nearly enough to be of consequence from deep. Against Los Angeles’ slow-footed big men, efficient shooting is a must.
Lakers Key Player: (C) Marc Gasol
When it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers, you’d be correct if you looked at Marc Gasol and didn’t consider him an offensive threat. While a creative offensive force, Gasol is much more of a playmaker and screener than he is a scorer these days.
In 31 games this season, Gasol has scored in double-digits just twice. Against a Wizards lineup that sometimes plays a five-out formation, his skill inside would be a valuable asset in Frank Vogel’s attempts to get the Lakers back on track.
Gasol doesn’t play a ton of minutes, but against big men like Moritz Wagner, Alex Len, and Robin Lopez, he would be well within his comfort zone on both ends of the court.
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