NBA Game of the Week: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

In the grand theater that is the NBA, certain acts will draw bigger crowds. This week, the Cleveland Cavaliers will take the stage against the Los Angeles Lakers in a clash between two of the best teams in terms of record to this point.

Both teams have begun the year under a new head coach, and both have performed well.

During the offseason, the Cavs fired head coach J.B. Bickerstaff after crashing out in the second round to the eventual champion Boston Celtics last season.

From there Cleveland appointed Kenny Atkinson as the new man in charge. Atkinson had spent the previous three seasons as an assistant to Steve Kerr with the Golden State Warriors.

Atkinson also spent the summer as a part of the France National team staff during the Olympics in the team’s silver medal run.

After the tournament, the former Nets head coach inked a five-year deal with the Cavaliers and has been off to a perfect 4-0 start.

The Cavaliers most recently are coming fresh off of an impressive road victory against the New York Knicks. After questions about the roster in prior months, the team has been clicking so far.

After rumors of potentially being traded in the offseason, point guard Darius Garland was able to show his worth once again by scoring 34 points against the Knicks.

Center Jarrett Allen, who missed playoff time due to injury, is healthy again and has posted double-doubles in two of four games.

Of course, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley have played at a high level as well. Mitchell has averaged just over 23 ppg through four games, and Mobley has been top 10 in blocks per game while averaging 18 ppg.

On the other side of the matchup, the Lakers have been strong despite lots of offseason controversy.

After firing Darvin Ham, Los Angeles hired J.J. Redick, a first-time head coach who had been Lebron James’ podcast co-host before receiving the job.

The team also drafted Lebron James’ son Bronny even after many thought the former USC Trojan was not prepared to play in the league.

These moves made many fans believe that the Lakers were more focused on creating fun headlines than truly chasing an NBA title.

Truth be told, the Lakers have been impressive through four games. Not only have the Lakers started the season 3-1, but have taken down tough opponents in the process.

To this point, the Lakers have beaten the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns. All three of these teams will have their eyes on making a playoff run come the spring.

Anthony Davis has been on fire to begin the year, averaging nearly 33 points per game, 12 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks.

However, of course, the Lakers will be led by the “King”, LeBron James.

So far, James has averaged a well-rounded 20 points per game, with 7 rebounds and 7.5 assists.

Games like this will always be special though as James will be returning to Cleveland, where he won over 500 games with the Cavaliers and brought them their one and only championship in 2016.

While this won’t be the first time James has returned to Cleveland, every time feels like a homecoming for “King James” to his original throne.

Alex Harkins is a second-year student majoring in broadcast journalism, to contact him, email arh6278@psu.edu.