Thought Starter...
For LeBron, can a homecoming game help him break out of what has been, by his lofty standards, a slow start to the season? Save a truly epic fourth quarter Saturday night against Sacramento, James has been (again, by his standards) pretty ordinary through four games. Monday’s loss in Phoenix was arguably the worst game he’s played as a Laker. To beat a very solid Cleveland squad, he’ll need to step up. The Lakers can only overcome so much if he doesn’t play well, especially on the road.
And with Bronny in tow, will there be another moment for the two of them to play together, given the significance of Cleveland to the James family? What would the reaction be to that from Lakers fans, if those minutes come at any point other than garbage time? Even if D’Angelo Russell, listed as a game time decision with a sore back, doesn’t play?
Three Questions...
1. Is it reasonable to expect anything from Christian Koloko - now cleared to rejoin the team by the NBA - in the near future?
2. What are the risks (not just to the final score) if the Lakers decide to again play Bronny and LeBron together, tonight?
3. Why is tonight’s game a “swing” game for this trip, and maybe even the early chunk of the schedule?
