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There's usually a buzz when the Los Angeles Lakers face LeBron James, but without Kobe Bryant around, it's just another road game during the Grammy trip for the team. The Cleveland Cavaliers found their stride after James took some time off, and their 12-game winning streak was a sign of hope for a season that had been slow to kick off. They'll look to rekindle that flame -- one that was put out by George Hill hitting a one-handed four-point play -- against a diminished Lakers squad.
The Lakers came out hot against the Orlando Magic and even followed it up with Ryan Kelly's 15-point third quarter, but everything came to a screeching stop in the fourth quarter and overtime. There's no consistency with this Lakers team, and it's become a game-by-game experience. Arguably the most interesting aspect of watching the Lakers now is to see how Jordan Clarkson develops while keeping an eye on Ed Davis and Tarik Black.
Los Angeles has gone 1-9 over the last 10 games, tightening it's position in the top-five of the NBA Draft Lottery odds. It's a very tight group at the top as the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves collect empty wins. This is the Lakers' final game of their annual road trip, and the team has played four overtime periods in their previous four games. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Lakers sleepwalking in an early game while the Cavaliers try to get back on the roll they were on.
Time: 12:30 p.m. PT
TV: ABC