Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers were in a rare slump following a loss in their first meeting against the Milwaukee Bucks. LeBron James expressed his dissatisfaction in their performance via ESPN:
“From here on out, we want to continue to get back in the winning column, get a win streak and not lose two in a row every again.”
This was a follow-up after losing to the Indiana Pacers. Once again, they find themselves staring at the possibility of dropping two-in-a-row in a visit to Milwaukee. It’s a great time to carry over that mindset.
The Lakers showed up on Monday night and let an easy one get taken by the Golden State Warriors. They were up by as much as 19 points in the 4th quarter. LeBron James and Anthony Davis were not their typically dominant selves. Both finished under 20 points for just their fifth time as a duo.
It goes without saying that this can’t be what happens with Giannis Antetokounmpo in their way. Right behind him will be Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday. The Bucks are going to be their own version of pissed off. They dropped a close one, 125-123 to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday too. The teams split meetings last season at a game a piece. If there were a time for James and AD to put their stamp on a game, it’s now.
Kyle Kuzma has certainly been contributing as of late. Primarily, he’s hitting the boards like a madman. Over the last four games, he’s averaging a double-double at 11 points and 10 rebounds. If the Lakers are going to get back into the win column, they need all hands on deck. Not even a Kuz double-double will move the needle without Bron and AD being their all-world selves.
Tip-off will be an early one, slated to start at 4:30 p.m. PST/7:30 p.m. EST on TNT.
