Here is what you need to know before the Lakers return home to face the Miami Heat.
1) The King is writing history
It’s been a tear for LeBron James, who has posted three straight triple-doubles — becoming the first Laker to do so since Magic Johnson 32 years ago.
Over these past three contests, James has ridiculous averages of 30.0 points, 13.3 assists and 11.0 rebounds. Oh, and this has all been part of a six-game winning streak — the Lakers’ longest in eight years.
For as great as LeBron has been across the board (including defensively), he has been in apex mode when it comes to his passing. He’s averaging a league-leading 11.1 assists this year, and nobody else is even hitting double-digits.
2) Bench mob saved the day
Last time out, the Lakers trailed a frisky Chicago team by 13 at the start of the fourth quarter. Coach Frank Vogel inserted an all-bench lineup, which immediately burst out with 16 unanswered points.
The avalanche was keyed by breakout performances from Quinn Cook and Kyle Kuzma, who both snapped out of shooting slumps with their hot fourth. Cook finished the night with 17 points and three triples, while Kuzma attacked the bucket for 15.
But, per usual, Dwight Howard was also a catalyst for this success. Seemingly always in the right place at the right time, Howard (six points, six rebounds) continued to provide energy on both ends of the floor.
3) Both squads coming in hot
It’s the best record in the West versus the second-seeded team in the East.
Miami enters this matchup with a 6-2 record after thumping the Suns last night in the first game of a back-to-back. New superstar Jimmy Butler was electrifying in that win, dropping 34 points — including 30 in the first half. Meanwhile, Goran Dragic (25 points in Phoenix) is crushing his role as sixth man, while hyper-athletic, pass-friendly big man Bam Adebayo continues to provide everything Miami can ask of him.
But this game will likely come down to which elite defense holds stronger. The Lakers have been best in the NBA in this early season, boasting the league’s top defensive rating (97.9). But the Heat aren’t far behind, placing fourth (100.7) thanks to a turnover-forcing, 3-point-snuffing approach.
Injury Report
Lakers: Kyle Kuzma (stress reaction, left ankle) is probable. Avery Bradley (lower right leg contusion) is questionable. Rajon Rondo (sore right calf) is doubtful. DeMarcus Cousins (rehabilitation, right knee) is out.
Heat: Justise Winslow (concussion), Derrick Jones Jr. (left hip strain), KZ Okpala (left Achilles strain) Dion Waiters (stomach illness) and Udonis Haslem (stomach illness) are day-to-day.
Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. PT
TV: Spectrum SportsNet locally, NBA TV nationally
Radio: 710 ESPN and 1330 Tu Liga
Unis: Purple Statement
Location: STAPLES Center — Los Angeles, California