Tomorrow night, the Lakers take on the Clippers in round two of their battle for Los Angeles supremacy. The first game saw the Lakers bench explode for 76 points en route to a stunning 116-103 victory over the Clippers.
Starting point guard Kendall Marshall was not around for that win, but he will play a large role for the Lakers in this game as he remains the only healthy point guard. Marshall played his college ball at North Carolina with current Clippers rookie Reggie Bullock and before Friday’s game, Marshall let Bullock know that he expects a victory tomorrow via Mark Medina:
I’ve already guaranteed a win to him. I also told him that if he ever guards me, I might go for 30 [points].
With Bullock sidelined with an ankle injury, Marshall won’t have the opportunity to attack his former Tar Heel teammate. It is good to see Marshall having confidence in himself and his teammates, even if it is just some good natured fun with a friend.
The Lakers need all of the confidence they can get as they have lost nine of their last ten games and now have to take on the Pacific Division leading Clippers. Hopefully, this rivalry game will give the Lakers a little extra motivation.
Marshall will not be the only backup point guard in the game as the Clippers’ Chris Paul is sidelined with a separated shoulder, meaning Darren Collison will get the start for the Clippers on Friday.
Marshall has averaged nine points and seven assists in eight games for the Lakers this season.
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