Don’t think, even for a split second, that the Lakers’ defense can win this game. They’re 28th in the league in points allowed and the worst overall in defensive efficiency for a reason. These glaring weaknesses can be attributed to their youthful roster, or basically the lack in experience.
Then again, that youth can—sometimes—lead to good results, as we’ve seen in this team’s 10-10 start earlier the season. The Lakers love to pick up the pace through their promising core of talents, like in D’Angelo Russell.
The former second overall pick from Ohio State has made a huge leap forward towards since the All-Star break, averaging 18.9 points and 5.1 assists while shooting 36.0 percent from deep. Russell also produced a game-high 28 points to lead the Purple and Gold past the Grizzlies on Sunday, which snapped a four-game slide.
Los Angeles is 1-9 SU and 4-5-1 ATS in its last 10 contests with the Spurs, including double-digit losses in two meetings this season.
San Antonio basketball is winning right now. The team has won eight of its last nine games overall—with the lone loss coming against the Warriors—and is on a three-game winning streak (2-1 ATS).
During that run, Kawhi Leonard’s taken full responsibility of the Spurs offense, mustering no fewer than 25 points in each game, including a 32-point, 12-rebound effort in what was a thrilling overtime victory over the Grizzlies on Tuesday night.
LaMarcus Aldridge added 15 points and six rebounds, and he, along with Leonard, should easily pile up the points against the Lakers’ league-worst defense. Aldridge and Leonard are averaging 43.6 points combined in three meetings with LA this season.
