The Los Angeles Lakers have been in the midst of their annual “Grammy” road trip, being forced away from their Staples Center home as music’s best artists receive awards for their hard work. Although it doesn’t feel like it’s been a successful road trip, the Lakers are currently 3-1 in it as they head into the final stop in Philadelphia to take on the 76ers.
It doesn’t feel as fruitful of a road trip as a 3-1 record should feel, as the Lakers had their worst loss of the year on Monday against the Boston Celtics, losing 139-107. Still, the Lakers have an opportunity to end the trip on a great note as the 76ers are 29-17 and currently own one of the best home records at 20-2. It’ll also be very important to head back home with a win, as the Lakers will be returning to the Staples Center to take on their cross-hallway rivals on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Clippers.
76ers still without Joel Embiid
The 76ers boasts two superstars in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, however, they’ll be without Embiid again as he continues to come back from a hand surgery he had to receive. He’s been on the sidelines since he suffered the injury on January 6th, as the 76ers have gone 5-3 in the eight games they’ve played without him. They’ll probably wish he is around as the Lakers boast some of the most size in the league with Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, and LeBron James. JaVale McGee might not be able to suit up as he missed the game against the Brooklyn Nets with the flu, but if he’s in it’ll cause even more problems for 76ers as they try and match the Lakers’ length.
Ben Simmons and the 76ers will try and take on the Lakers’ stout defense, as the 76ers come into this game scoring less than 100 points in two of their last three games. They’ll be looking to come back from a recent loss too, as they lost 107-95 on Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors. Although the Lakers have tough times with superstar guards, they should be able to contain Simmons as he is not a three-point threat with the Lakers being able to pack the paint against him.
LeBron James set to make history
Although this is an important, primetime game for the Lakers, most may be tuning in for an individual feat as LeBron James tries to make more history in a Lakers uniform.
That history, of course, will be becoming the third-highest scorer in NBA history as he looks to pass Kobe Bryant in all-time points scored. It’ll be an extremely special moment for LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and all Lakers fans everywhere as we watch a current Laker pass one of the most infamous Lakers ever for one of the most impressive records ever. In addition, LeBron may do it in Kobe’s American hometown, as he will just need 18 points to surpass Kobe’s 33,643 points scored.
The game will be broadcasted for all to see, as the Lakers will take on the 76ers at 5:30 p.m. PST on ABC.
