Here is what you need to know before the Lakers’ visit against the Indiana Pacers.
1) LBJ = POTW
Following a dominant three-game stretch, LeBron James was recognized as Western Conference Player of the Week.
The honor was hardly a surprise, after the King led the Lakers to victories over Orlando, Miami and Atlanta — while averaging 28.3 points, 11.0 rebounds and 9.7 assists along the way. Outside of the numbers, he’s been putting on a show lately, sprinkling plenty of long-distance triples and hammer dunks into his performances.
By the way, this might be LeBron’s first Player of the Week award as a Laker, but it’s also his sixty-second of his career. That’s the highest total by a massive margin, as Lakers legend Kobe Bryant has the second-most at 33.
2) Coach V is back
For the first time as head coach of the Lakers, Frank Vogel will return to the city where he made a name for himself in the NBA.
Vogel orchestrated a top-10 defense in all five of his years running the Pacers (2011-16), including two that ranked No. 1 overall. Unsurprisingly, this resulted in plenty of playoff success, as Indiana made two trips to the Eastern Conference Finals under Vogel’s watch (though they were beaten by LeBron’s Miami Heat both times).
The reigning Western Conference Coach of the Month, Vogel has overseen an electrifying, 24-3 start to the Lakers’ season. But getting win 25 could be an especially big challenge if he has to face his former team without the services of Anthony Davis, who is questionable to play due to an ankle sprain.
3) Indy’s a tough place to get a W
With Victor Oladpio recovering from a knee injury, the Pacers have still blossomed to a strong start despite the absence of their leader. Defense has been the engine of this success, as Indiana ranks fifth in the NBA in defensive rating (103.5).
On the other side, Malcolm Brogdon has been the heart of the offense, leading his new team in scoring (19.5) and handing out the league’s sixth-most assists (7.7). Domantas Sabonis has looked like an all-star, racking up 12 straight double-doubles, averaging the fourth-most rebounds (13.5) and hammering opponents out of the pick-and-roll.
Myles Turner — fourth in the NBA in blocks (2.2) — and Doug McDermott — third in 3-point percentage (47.6) — have also found their grooves early in this season. But perhaps most importantly, the Pacers are 11-3 at home, where they have boasted a winning record for an astounding 30 straight seasons. The Lakers’ 14-game road win streak will see a major test in Indianapolis, where they haven’t won since 2013.
Injury Report
Lakers: Rajon Rondo (left hamstring strain) is probable. Anthony Davis (right ankle sprain) is questionable. Kyle Kuzma (left ankle sprain) and DeMarcus Cousins (rehabilitation, right knee) are out.
Pacers: JaKarr Sampson (sore lower back) is questionable. Victor Oladipo (right knee rehab) is out.
Tip-Off: 4 p.m. PT
TV: Spectrum SportsNet locally, NBA TV nationally
Radio: 710 ESPN and 1330 Tu Liga
Unis: Gold Icon
Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse — Indianapolis, Indiana