The Los Angeles Lakers are on the second of a back-to-back against the New Jersey Nets. Although the Lakers tend to not play well in this situation, they are playing against an imploding team in the Nets. Few analysts have deemed Jason Kidd as the worst coach in the NBA, their big man Brooke Lopez is still out with an ankle injury and the Net’s defense is ranked the worst in the NBA. Although those are favorable factors for the Lakers, the Nets do have two players that hate the Lakers and will be extra motivated for a good performance.
Former Boston Celtics, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett will be suiting up tonight to make their presence felt against the Lakers tonight. Even though Garnett is struggling this year he is coming off one of his best nights by scoring in double-digits for only the second time this season. With Brooke Lopez out, Garnett will have some extra minutes, but look for Kidd to monitor them extremely closely as the Nets are also on the second of a back-to-back. If anything, look for Pierce to have a breakout game tonight as he is only averaging 13.2 points this season.
The Lakers should hang their heads high as they had a chance to win it last night against the Wizards, but were out muscled in the end with too many turnovers. If they can control those tonight against the Nets and continue their improving all around play, the Lakers should get back to .500.
LAL have won 10 straight. RT @NBAGuru: Last Nets win over the Lakers: 11/25/07. Leading Nets to victory: Jason Kidd (15 Pts, 7 Reb, 14 Ast)
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 27, 2013
Lakers will debut Hollywood Nights jerseys tonight against Nets in Brooklyn. What do you think of the new jerseys? #Lakers #HollywoodNights
— Ryan Ward (@Lakers_Examiner) November 27, 2013
Back at it against Brooklyn tonight. Got to bounce back & get a win here #GoLakers
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) November 27, 2013