5 Bold Predictions For Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets

1. Lakers Stick It To Former HC Mike D’Antoni

Some folks may not know this because of how poorly it went, but D’Antoni was the Lakers’ head coach not too long ago. Now he’s in charge of the Rockets and happens to be starting his time with Houston against his former team.

At least on Wednesday, the Lakers will be better than D’Antoni’s new team.

There will be plenty of scoring, and not a lot of defense. However, Los Angeles clearly wins in terms of coaching ability (in my opinion), which should give them the edge in a matchup that is more even than many would assume.

It’s the opener for both of these teams, so expect a lot of ugly basketball. Harden will likely be his usual human turnstile on defense, and I’d anticipate some streaky shooting from the Lakers’ group of rising youngsters.

However, when all is said and done, Los Angeles should sneak away with a win in a high-scoring affair.

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The post-Kobe Bryant era has begun, and the Lakers will start it off with a win. It may not be a real indicator of how the 2016-17 season will pan out, but I’m sure Walton and Co. will take it.