The Los Angeles Lakers open up the new year by taking on the Philadelphia 76ers in a game that pits the two worst teams in the league against each other. As unlikely as it would seem considering their combined 9-58 record, both franchises are coming off wins and are hoping to start their first win-streak of the season.
The Lakers put on their best performance of the season on Wednesday in Boston, where they defeated the Celtics 112-104. Young players D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, and Julius Randle were all impressive, and they will need to step up again to get a win against Philadelphia because star guard Kobe Bryant is out resting his sore shoulder.
Of course, the game will also feature major draft implications, as the 76ers will receive the Lakers 2016 draft pick if it falls outside the top three. Should the 76ers win, it would improve the odds of LA “catching” them for last place, which would make the Lakers keeping their pick more likely.
Which franchise will get their first win streak? Which will improve their lottery odds? Check out the highlights below:
Larry Nance Jr. throws it down! https://t.co/SopS1elFs7
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) January 2, 2016
Russell with the look-away to Clarkson! https://t.co/XmFfG5wUhX
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) January 2, 2016
Julius…Randle https://t.co/atEEc8vZ52
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) January 2, 2016
Good Lord…Russell to Randle! https://t.co/WkiAEbMTdy
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) January 2, 2016
Shades of Showtime https://t.co/2lDctGrS5k
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) January 2, 2016