Lakers Look to Avoid 0-3 Start

No one said LeBron James' arrival in Los Angeles would be smooth. The Big Three era in Miami had a shaky start, so its reasonable that the Lakers need some time to adjust with the King. The Lakers early schedule also hasn't been kind, as tonight they play their third straight Western Conference playoff team.

The San Antonio Spurs (1-1) are looking good with DeMar DeRozan in tow. Vegas lists the Lakers as 1.0 home point favorites despite the fact that they're down two starters: Rajan Rondo and Brandon Ingram, after Saturday night's scuffle with Chris Paul and the Houston Rockets.

Over his first two games, LeBron is averaging 25 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. His most reliable teammates have been Josh Hart (15.5 PPG) and JaVale McGee (14.5 PPG). As the season progresses, James should be building more chemistry with Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and Ingram.

Josh Hart is the Lakers 2nd-leading scorer at 15.5 points per game. His threes off the bench kept LA in the game against the Rockets on Saturday night.

Los Angeles could very well start 0-3 with a short-staffed home game tonight. Through ten games, the Lakers may only have two or three wins. And that's okay, because over 82 games, having LeBron James on your team will win you games more often than not.

Prediction

LeBron comes out with a little more fire this game to make up for the absence of Ingram and Rondo. Through halftime, the Lakers are right in the game. But the second half shows San Antonio is deeper as they pull away late for a 110-100 win.

James tallies 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists

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