Tonight at 10:30 p.m. ET two of the NBA's more disappointing clubs this season will do battle at the Staples Center when the Los Angeles Lakers (12-27) host the Cleveland Cavaliers (19-20) on TNT. Live stream the game free by clicking this link. Lakers fans can catch the radio broadcast on 710 ESPN, while Cavaliers fans may do likewise on WTAM 1100.
The Cavs are on a six-game losing streak and are being scrutinized heavily for the players' reportedly deteriorating relationship with first-year NBA coach David Blatt. LeBron James, the biggest star in the league and a player noted for his leadership, was seen on video pushing Blatt toward the sideline as he argued a call with an official.
It was James' first game back from a multi-game hiatus, but following the incident Blatt chose to simply praise James' play on the court.
"I thought he was terrific," Blatt said. "I mean that's not new for anybody but I just thought he laid it out there and that's not an easy thing. He hasn't played a competitive game in eight games. I just thought he was terrific."
James scored 33 points on 11-of-18 shooting in his first game back, and added seven rebounds and five assists. Now, it's about returning the sub-.500 Cavs to the win column.
The Lakers have their own problems as well, namely their reliance on an aging Kobe Bryant who is alternating between rest periods and playing. The frequent rest may be keeping him healthier, but it has disrupted his play.
"The hard part is sitting down for stretches and then trying to get back in," Bryant said. "I feel like the Tin Man, you know what I mean? But that's just part of the process, part of the challenge. It's not something I'm whining or complaining about. I'll just work through it and get my legs used to playing again."
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