There will be no shortage of superstars on Tuesday night's opening matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers.
The main event of the evening will give us a first look at the new dynamic duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis for the Lakers. At the other end of the floor, with Paul George on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury, reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard will be leading the charge for the Clippers.
It is indeed going to be a star-studded evening, but we must not forget about the significant impact role players will have on this ballgame. For one, Lakers newcomer Avery Bradley could prove to be Tuesday night's x-factor for the Lakers. Here's why.
After bouncing around the league over the past couple of seasons, Bradley signed with the Lakers this summer on a two-year, $9.7 million deal for L.A. The veteran guard has struggled the past two years, and already, many seem to have forgotten the significant role he played with the Boston Celtics and their inspired run to the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2016-17 season.
Bradley was at the very heart of Boston's defense, and this is exactly what the Lakers signed him up for. The 28-year-old actually had it going in the second half of last season, averaging 16.1 points (on 46.3 percent shooting), 3.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.0 steals, while also knocking down 2.0-three pointers on a 38.4-percent clip. This is the Avery Bradley the Lakers are hoping for, and with the 6-foot-2 guard reportedly one hundred percent healthy, he might just be in for a huge comeback season, starting with Tuesday night.
There have also been reports stating that Bradley will be starting at the point on opening night. While not exactly a natural point guard due to his lack of playmaking skills, he should still slide in nicely in head coach Frank Vogel's makeshift starting lineup. LeBron is expected to handle point guard duties for L.A., which will allow Bradley to do what he does best — play defense and hit three's.
Another thing to consider is that for the Clippers, it's going to be Patrick Beverley who's going to be starting at the one spot. Who better to match up against one of the most tenacious guards in the league in Beverley than a guy like Avery Bradley — someone who pretty much fits the same mold. Bradley should be able to match, if not cancel out Beverley's impact on the game.
Finally, at 28, Bradley is no spring chicken. As mentioned earlier, he has struggled in the previous seasons, and he surely understands the gravity of his opportunity here with the Lakers. The team gambled on him, and at this point, Bradley knows that he has to prove his worth. What better way to announce your arrival than a huge game on opening night?
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