Pick of the week: The Lakers primed to take over Madison Square Garden
Illustration by Liv Weatherford.
Malachi Keys, Contributing Writer
This week’s pick of the week is the Los Angeles Lakers over the New York Knicks on Saturday, Feb. 1 in the ABC Primetime slot.
With it being potentially one of, if not the last game Lakers forward LeBron James will play at the Mecca, expect him to show out for a raucous crowd at Madison Square Garden.
James, who has been averaging 23.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and nine assists per game, according to ESPN, will play a pivotal role in the Lakers success in this matchup.
While the Knicks may have a slight edge in Wing versatility and defense, the Lakers should be able to pound the ball in the paint.
Look for Lakers power forward Anthony Davis to have a big day defensively against Knicks center-forward Karl-Anthony Towns, including grabbing significant rebounds especially with the continued injury absence of Knicks center Mitchell Robinson.
Although the game in New York will be the last of a four-game East Coast road trip, the Lakers have a significantly easier schedule going into the game, including the Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards prior, according to the NBA.
On the other hand, the Knicks have a tougher schedule than the Lakers, having to face tough matchups including the Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets, according to the NBA. Fatigue of tougher competition could play a role in the outcome of the game.
