Pacers vs. Lakers: Live Game Thread

Jan 7, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) and guard Orlando Johnson (11) go through a routine before the game against the Toronto Raptors at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers are closing out their final West Coast trip of the season with their first meeting against the Los Angeles Lakers. After having two days off, and allowing Paul George to venture over to Jimmy Kimmel Live, the Pacers should be well rested and ready to head home on a high note.

No Kobe Bryant means the Lakers are going to struggle, like they’ve done all season without him. Not having him to will the team to victory has shown through brightly. Nick Young has tried to pick up the slack by scoring 17.0 points per game, but it hasn’t been enough. Even with Pau Gasol averaging 16.8 points and 10.1 rebounds, the team has been unable to get on any kind of roll this season. In the month of January, the Lakers have won a total of three games out of 13.

George will be playing in front of his hometown for the first time since being announced as an Eastern Conference All-Star starter. Expect him to put on a special performance for all his family and friends who will be in the crowd. The other Pacer to watch will be Lance Stephenson who has stepped it up on this West Coast trip. He’s scored 20-plus in the last two games and was a combined seven assists from getting two more triple-doubles. Stephenson loves the big city lights, so it would surprise no one to see him go off for a triple-double tonight.

Game is about to start so check out the comments section and chat us up!