The Latest on the Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers’ General Manager Mitch Kupchak is willing to trade off some players in order to improve the team. Kupchak believes the team is under-achieving and that a shake up to the roster may be beneficial. [NBA.com: Scott Howard-Cooper]
Andrew Bynum sat out Monday’s practice due to soreness in his left knee. [Los Angeles Times Lakers Blog: Mark Medina]
NBA Game Previews for February 1st, 2011
Washington Wizards at New Orleans Hornets- 8:00 P.M. EST/ 5:00 P.M.PST- NBA League Pass
Wizards- (13-34) Hornets- (31-18)
The Washington Wizards are 0-24 on the road and they cannot find a way to close out games away from the Verizon Center. The Wizards are coming off a heart-breaking loss to the Mavericks last night, and a back-to-back wears out even the good teams.
The Hornets are 8-2 in their last ten games, and they are currently one of the hottest teams in the NBA. The Hornets played their last three games on the road, so they will enjoy being back at the “Hive.”
Prediction: Hornets win
San Antonio Spurs at Portland Trail Blazers- 10:00 P.M. EST/ 7:30 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
Spurs- (40-7) Trail Blazers- (25-22)
The San Antonio Spurs have the best record in the NBA and they hold a comfortable 7 1/2 game lead for the top seed in Western Conference. The Spurs are off to the best start in franchise history, and they have performed very well against the NBA’s elite teams.
The Portland Trail Blazers have been plagued with injuries, and they miss the offensive explosion of Brandon Roy. The Blazers have been involved in many close games vs. upper echelon teams, but they fail to execute in the closing minutes of the game.
Prediction: Spurs win
Boston Celtics at Sacramento Kings- 10:00 P.M. EST/ 7:30 P.M. PST- NBA League Pass
Celtics- (36-11) Kings-(12-33)
The Sacramento Kings are the second worst team in the Western Conference and their playoff chances were shattered nearly one month into the season. However, the Kings’ players should amped up for this big game but expect them to falter due to lack of experience.
After beating the Los Angeles Lakers, the Celtics will be looking to shut down another Californian opponent. The Celtics are the best team in the Eastern Conference, and their defensive tenacity can cause a lot of problems for their opposition.
Prediction: Celtics win
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers- NBA TV- 10:30 P.M. EST/ 7:30 P.M. PST
Rockets- (22-27) Lakers- (33-15)
The Houston Rockets will travel to Los Angeles, California to take on the struggling Lakers team. The Rockets usually play well against the Lakers thanks to their up-tempo style of play.
Although it is only February this game it very important for the Lakers. After getting embarrassed by the Boston Celtics the Lakers will try to restore their reputation by winning tonight’s game. Expect the Lakers to come out of the gate aggressive, and make an effort to put the Rockets away early.
Prediction: Lakers win