USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives past Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) for a basket in the first quarter of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives past Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) for a basket in the first quarter of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The 2020-21 NBA season is now underway in full-swing and the league is really starting to take shape. However, the start hasn’t been very good for last season’s champions, LA Lakers. They are 2-2 in their first 4 games and now travel to San Antonio following a disappointing defeat against the Portland Trail Blazers.
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The Lakers and Spurs will battle on Wednesday night at 7:30 PM ET at the AT&T Center. While the Lakers are struggling to find their groove early in the season, the Spurs are off to a splendid start. Moreover, this Wednesday night fixture will also showcase the epic rivalry of LeBron James and DeMar DeRozan.
Los Angeles Lakers injury updates and predicted lineup
The Lakers were outplayed by Damian Lillard and the Blazers in their previous game. However, they’ve just begun their campaign and are still suffering the burden of having the shortest offseason. This might be a primary reason why the purple and gold are struggling to get back their touch.
Lakers guard Alex Caruso didn't travel with the Lakers to San Antonio. He's still in the league's health and safety protocols.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) December 29, 2020
Despite the clumsy start, the Lakers have a chance to get back on winning ways against the Spurs. But they would have to do it without their solid bench player, Alex Caruso. Caruso is facing some trouble with his hand, leading to him being sidelined. So the expected lineup for them is Dennis Schroder (G), Kentavious Caldwell Pope (G), LeBron James (F), Anthony Davis (F), and Marc Gasol (C).
San Antonio Spurs injury updates and predicted lineup
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The Spurs lost a closely fought match against the Pelicans last time around. Additionally, their star-forward DeMar DeRozan had a pretty bad game and scored just 8 points. If the Spurs want to win this home game against LA, they need DeRozan to show up big time.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2020; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan (10) shoots against Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
As far as their injury report is concerned, their guards Derrick White and Quinndary Weatherspoon will both be sidelined. The expected players to suit up as starters for the Spurs are Dejounte Murray (G), Lonnie Walker (G), DeMar DeRozan (F), Keldon Johnson (F), and LaMarcus Aldridge (C).
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Game prediction
Despite having a good start to the season, the Spurs are no match for the LA Lakers on paper. Unless the purple and gold have a terrible performance, they should easily secure their third win of the season.
