Published on: Feb 5, 2022 10:15 pm IST|Updated on: Feb 5, 2022 10:15 pm IST
LAL vs NYK Dream11: The NBA trade deadline is just a few days ago and my phone is buzzing with various trade rumors. Ain’t this fun? As well look into the fits and squad make-up, you know some managements are aggressive in their pursuit of players while others look to ease the financial tax burden. And well, the two teams who will meet here will surely be active in the market, the New York Knicks more so than the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers have had a troubled season despite having a superstar-laden lineup. The reason for their poor season has been the inconsistent effort on the defensive end and the inability to win against top-quality squads. They have three more losses than wins but with a considerable chunk of the season left, they can still salvage a decent record.
On the other hand, the Knicks have been struggling this season, especially on the offensive end. They have four more losses than wins and well, this is a team that came into the season with a great promise but has fallen off each month. Surely, the Knicks players have been in the trade rumours and Kemba Walker is the most likely candidate to be traded but don’t be surprised if you see more player movement in the Knicks.
Host: LA Lakers Visitors: New York Knicks Match Timing: 6 February, @ 07:00 AM Venue: Crypto.com Arena
Lakers: A tough hill to climb Even if Westbrook says that you begin 0:0 in the Playoffs, that doesn’t mean that a strong regular season doesn’t translate into the Playoffs. After all, most NBA championships and Finalists rank among top-four if not usually in the top two in their respective conferences. The Regular Season is important no matter how much fans and players say that the postseason is the regular season. The chemistry to perform at the peak level in the Postseason is built through the Regular Season. Anyway, if the Lakers get going on the hustle end, they can still get a 44-win record but that is not enough to be ranked among teams like the Warriors, Suns, and Grizzlies.
What are the trade scenarios for the Lakers, what can they offer? Many writers have shown skepticism that the team can work out for a major deal. But I believe the team can get something in exchange for a player like Talen-Horton Tucker, perhaps a wing-like Jae’Sean Tate? I have heard Josh Hart is also in the trade rumors but I don’t think the team has enough to offer and the Pels will look for some different fit. Can the Lakers bring in some defensive and hustle-minded player into the fold? Trust me that can change a lot, a single player can bring big-time results in a super-star-laden team.
Knicks: Frustrating season, disgruntled fans, annoyed players For the Knicks, the most frustrating part has been that they have been booed by their own fans and when that happens, you know the players will lose a lot of motivation. The relationship between Julius Randle and Knicks’ fans has soured at this point and he may be seeking a change of scenery he is the type of player who can slate in as a physical presence and change the dynamic of many teams. Meanwhile, many writers have claimed that Kemba Walker is going to be traded soon, and well, this was a no-brainer since the early parts of the season. Kemba’s heart is clearly not with the Knicks and he can still be an effective player for many teams(Wizards?) who need a Point Guard to transform the scenario.
The trouble for the Knicks is opposite to the Lakers. They have been more than decent defensively but have not found substantial offensive chemistry, struggling against major defensive units especially. The Knicks can part ways with some other players like Alec Burks and well, they did bring in Cam Reddish earlier, but he has been a non-factor, not receiving any minutes at all. Will the team build around RJ Barrett? If they traded Julius Randle they can certainly bring in some big-time talent as his value must be high. What moves will the Knicks make?
LA Lakers | New York Knicks Games: 53| 52 Wins: 25| 24 Defeats: 28| 28
Los Angeles Lakers Team News
Lakers Expected Starting Five
Wings: SF: Stanley Johnson Middle: PF/C: Anthony Davis Guards: SG: Malik Monk | SG: Avery Bradley | PG: Russell Westbrook
BENCH: Carmelo Anthony, Talen Horton-Tucker, Austin Reaves, Trevor Ariza, Deandre Jordan, Wayne Ellington, Kent Bazemore, Dwight Howard.
New York Knicks Team News
Knicks Expected Starting Five Middle: C: Mitchell Robinson | PF: Julius Randle Guards: PG: Kemba Walker | SG: Evan Fournier | SG: RJ Barrett
BENCH: Immanuel Quickley, Quinten Grimes, Cam Reddish, Obi Toppin, Miles McBride, Nerlens Noel, Taj Gibson, Jericho Sims.
Anthony Davis(LAL) Points: 30 Rebounds: 17 Assists: 02 Steals: 02 Blocks: 02 Anthony is back and with a bang too! He has shown his overall offensive package recently and has been huge on boards. I expect him to figure in the 25+ points and 10+ rebounds range continuously. The PF/C can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 45-59
Julius Randle(NYK) Points: 18 Rebounds: 12 Assists: 09 Steals: 01 Randle’s numbers are significantly down compared to last season and he has trouble being efficient but still remains a physical all-around presence. A 17-24 points, 8-13 rebounds, and 4-9 assists range has been the norm for the Forward. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 35-45
Russell Westbrook(LAL) Points: 17 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 04 Steals: 01 Westbrook has been having his troubles on the offensive end but he has done well down to cut down on turnovers and propel the offense. The Guard can be expected to score 15+ points, grab 5+ rebounds, and dish 6+ assists on most nights. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-44
Evan Fournier(NYK) Points: 30 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 02 Finally! The high-yielding guard has been able to compile three efficient nights in a row. The Shooting Guard has scored 18 or more in three games straight while splashing a bunch of threes. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 26-40
Malik Monk(LAL) Points: 21 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 07 Monk has been inserted into the starting lineup as the Lakers play three guards in the main five. Well, he has certainly earned his minutes and can be expected to score 15+ points here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 24-38
RJ Barrett(NYK) Points: 23 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 01 RJ has been a tad inconsistent but an important scorer at the off-guard position for the Knicks. The guard has usually surpassed the 17 points mark this season, especially since last month. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 24-34
PG: R Westbrook, Q Grimes SG: M Monk, T Horton-Tucker SF: R Barrett PF: J Randle(PP), A Davis(SP) C: D Howard
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