Based on the way they played at Staples Center on Thursday, the Brooklyn Nets clearly looked forward to facing the Los Angeles Lakers. Nets guard Kyrie Irving admitted as much after their 109-98 win over the Lakers but added that they wanted to face LeBron James and the defending champions at full strength. He also believes that this won’t be the teams’ last meeting this season.
Kyrie Irving: "We'll see them down the line." Said he and the whole Nets wanted a fully healthy Lakers team to face.
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) February 19, 2021
The game between the Lakers and Nets was billed as a potential NBA Finals preview, with both teams being seen as the favorites in their respective conferences. But on Thursday, the Nets were the better team even without forward Kevin Durant against a Lakers team that was missing big man Anthony Davis and guard Dennis Schroder, who was held out because of the NBA's COVID-19 protocols.
Irving finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in 34 minutes of action, though he did have five turnovers. It was fellow All-Star James Harden who led the Nets, finishing with 23 points, five rebounds, 11 assists, and two steals, while Joe Harris added 21 markers and five boards. The Nets also got a lift off the bench from Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Landry Shamet, who combined for 25 points in the team’s fifth straight win.
Having both teams at full strength would have definitely made a difference in the game, which the Nets largely dominated. But Irving’s statement makes it known that they believe they have what it takes to take down the Lakers even when they have Davis and Schroder in uniform.
A lot can still happen between now and the NBA Playoffs, so it remains to be seen whether Kyrie Irving will get his wish and have another crack at LeBron and the rest of the Lakers this season.
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