This also happens to be the first time these two teams play each other this season, but there is more to the game than just that.
With a victory, the Lakers will be at .500 for the first time since Christmas Day, when they defeated the New York Knicks at home. The team has also won four-of-five coming into this game, so they definitely have momentum.
However, Atlanta is not to be counted out. All flaws aside, the Hawks still have one of the NBA's most dynamic players in forward Josh Smith. They have won four-of-five, and will be in full spoiler mode.
That's going to be tough with a rowdy Staples Center crowd cheering on Kobe Bryant and Co., so fans should definitely tune in to what could be a great game.
Time: Sunday, March 3, 9:30 p.m. ET
TV: SportSouth, Time Warner Cable Sportsnet
Records: Atlanta Hawks (33-24) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (29-30)
Betting Line: Not available as of Saturday, March 2, 11:12 a.m. ET
Injuries: Lou Williams (knee, out), Jeremy Tyler (undisclosed, day-to-day), Jordan Hill (hip, out), Pau Gasol (foot, out), via ESPN
Key Storyline: Los Angeles Seeks .500 Record with Win Over Atlanta
It's no secret that the Lakers have been a grand disappointment this season. Despite adding both Steve Nash and Dwight Howard over the summer, the team has not been able to get it together.
Granted, that can be attributed to injuries, a coaching change and Mike D'Antoni's fast-paced game not exactly being the best fit in Los Angeles, but that does not take away from the fact the Lakers have vastly underperformed. Too often does the team rely on Kobe Bryant to carry them from start to finish, making the offense ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
