Nets Lakers Preview Seeking Three-Game Win Streak 2024

"Lakers have found momentum, chance for 3-game win streak. Role players stepping up. Nets struggling. Lakers have advantage at home."

The Los Angeles Lakers are finally seeing some momentum after winning two straight games and four of their last six. They have a chance to secure their first three-game win streak of 2024 with a nationally-televised matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. A win would also bring the Lakers above .500 for the first time this year.

Role players like D'Angelo Russell and Jarred Vanderbilt have been crucial to the Lakers' recent success. Russell has led the team in scoring in three of the last four games, allowing stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James to focus on other aspects of the game. This has resulted in a triple-double from Davis and a near triple-double in their most recent win over the Dallas Mavericks.

Consistency in player availability and roles has also contributed to the Lakers' recent boost. With only Cam Reddish and Gabe Vincent out, the team has had the same rotation for a few games, leading to improved performance.

As a result, the Lakers have become a middle-of-the-pack team, ranking 13th in net rating over their last six games compared to 24th in the 13 games prior.

The Nets, on the other hand, have struggled to find consistency, losing four straight, nine of their last 10, and 14 of their last 17 games. While they have talent in players like Mikal Bridges, Cam Thomas, and Cameron Johnson, they lack a true superstar player, making it difficult for them to find consistent production.

With the Nets struggling on the road and the Lakers playing well at home, Los Angeles should have the advantage in their matchup. If role players like Russell and Vanderbilt continue to support James and Davis, the Lakers have a good chance of securing their first three-game win streak since early December.

Key reserves for the Lakers include Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, and Max Christie, while the Nets rely on players like Cam Thomas, Lonnie Walker IV, and Royce O'Neale.