The Los Angeles Lakers will look to keep the momentum from Saturday night’s blowout win going as they play what will be their final game before the NBA’s Feb. 6 trade deadline, later tonight against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs are wrapping up an L.A. back-to-back after losing a close one to the Clippers last night, 108-105. While it looked for a while that this might be the first time in over two decades the Spurs would start selling off pieces to begin a rebuild, they’ve rebounded quite nicely over the last six weeks.
The defense for the Spurs is still their biggest struggle but their offense has improved, with LaMarcus Aldridge’s willingness to step back and shoot more 3-pointers opening up the floor for DeMar DeRozan, Dejounte Murray, and Derrick White to create off the dribble.
Although this game matters to the Lakers, every game matters for the Spurs right now and throughout the rest of the season. They’re currently in a 3-way battle with Memphis and Portland for the 8th and final playoff spot in the West. The Grizzlies currently have a two-game lead over Portland with the Spurs just an additional half-game back of Portland.
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