SUMMARY
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For the first time this season, defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers and the new Brooklyn Nets superteam face off in a titanic clash on Thursday, February 18 (Friday, February 19, 11 am Manila time).
In a testament to the strength of both teams, both the Lakers and Nets still have more than enough star power for the makings of an instant classic despite not having Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant, respectively.
Currently playing in his 18th regular season, 36-year-old superstar LeBron James is still playing at an all-time level, as proven by his status as an early MVP candidate yet again.
Coming off his first year as a full-time point guard where he averaged a career-high 10.2 assists, “The King” is having another customary all-around season with averages of 25.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.9 dimes on 50% shooting and an efficient 38% from three.
Even without Davis, the second-seeded Lakers still have plenty of talent to rely on as expected from champions, including reigning Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell, former Sixth Man finalist Dennis Schroder, and streaky scorer Kyle Kuzma.
Meanwhile, the Nets are certainly no slouches in the talent department either as they still have James’ former running mate Kyrie Irving probable to play and ex-MVP James Harden facilitating the offense.
Since his controversial seven-game break following the US Capitol insurrection, Irving has been putting up All-Star averages of 28.8 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds on elite splits of 55% from the field, 46% from downtown, and 89% from the free throw line.
No stranger to controversy, Harden has also been playing superstar-level basketball since his tumultuous departure from the Houston Rockets with norms of 24.3 points, 8.4 boards, and career-highs of 11.8 assists on 50% shooting and 41% from three.
Outside of that tandem, the second-place Nets also rely on former All-Star big man DeAndre Jordan, former three-point shootout champion Joe Harris, and resurgent forward Jeff Green to help carry the load on offense.
Will the Lakers’ well-balanced play style put them over the top or will the supercharged Nets offense be enough to claim victory over the defending champs?
– Rappler.com
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