The Los Angeles Lakers got off to a good start in 2025, picking up a win over the Portland Trail Blazers despite Anthony Davis not being on the roster.

They now look to move on when they host the Atlanta Hawks for the second night in a row on Friday.

LA is looking for revenge in this game after losing in an overtime thriller to the Hawks in Atlanta a few weeks ago. Trae Young made a decisive 3-pointer and secured his team the victory.

However, the Lakers look very different this time around after acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton in a trade involving D’Angelo Russell. This trade also helped unlock Austin Reaves as a playmaker, as he is currently in the midst of the best stretch of his career as the Lakers’ primary ball-handler.

In Reaves’ last four games, he is averaging 25.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 11.8 assists while shooting 37% from distance. Reaves missed the first game with the Hawks and is a welcome addition for LA in this game.

The Lakers are also expected to bring Davis back after his one-game absence with an ankle sprain. In the first game against Atlanta, the big man had 38 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists and is looking to repeat that performance.

Another big change for the Lakers in recent weeks was the addition of Max Christie to the starting lineup. That’s helped improve the team on both ends of the court, and he’s looking to build a career-high 28 points against Portland.

However, Christie’s defense is needed against Atlanta and Young, and the same goes for Finney-Smith guarding on the wing. The Hawks have one of the best groups of perimeter and wing players in the league, which is a big reason why they have exceeded expectations so far this season.

One perimeter defender the Lakers don’t have right now is Gabe Vincent, who is expected to miss his third straight game with an oblique strain.

The Lakers have struggled against sports teams like Atlanta, so everyone needs to be on track to get a win and remain undefeated in 2025.

Los Angeles Lakers (19-14) vs. Atlanta Hawks (18-16)

7:30 p.m. PT, January 3, 2025
Crpyto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
TV: Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV
Radio: 710 AM ESPN LA

Expected Lakers starting lineup:

PG: Austin Reaves
SG: Max Christie
SF: LeBron James
PF: Rui Hachimura
C: Anthony Davis

Key reserves: Dorian Finney-Smith, Dalton Knecht, Shake Milton, Jaxson Hayes, Cam Reddish

Expected Hawks starting lineup:

PG: Trae Young
SG: Dyson Daniels
SF: Zacharie Risacher
PF: Jalen Johnson
C: Clint Capela

Key reserve players: Onyeka Okongwu, Bogdan Bogdanovic, De’Andre Hunter

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