When the NBA decided to make the Lakers and the Heat its marquee NBA Christmas Day matchup, they did so figuring the two teams would be on top of their respective conferences. That isn't the case now, as the two teams currently stand behind clubs like Boston, San Antonio and Dallas. Still, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have a lot to play for as their two teams clash at 5 p.m. on ABC.
Heat Vs. Lakers, NBA Christmas Day: LeBron James Faces Kobe Bryant In Christmas Headliner
The Heat have recovered from a slow start to win 13 of their last 14 games, with the only loss coming to the Dallas Mavericks at home earlier this week. Dwyane Wade, who missed the team's last game against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday with a sore left knee, is expected to play. Combined with the healthy return of Mike Miller this week, the Heat will mostly be at full strength on the perimeter.
As for the Lakers, they continue to float around after a fast start. On Wednesday, they lost at home to the Milwaukee Bucks by 19 points, despite the Bucks missing Brandon Jennings, Corey Maggette and Carlos Delfino. This came after a five-game winning streak. However, the Lakers should have the advantage on the inside in this game, with Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and a healthy Andrew Bynum going up against a shallow Heat front line.
This will be a big test for the Heat, since it comes against a formidable opponent. The Heat are just 2-5 this season against the top four teams in each conference (wins over Atlanta and Utah, losses to Boston twice, Dallas twice and Utah once), and have faced criticism for not stepping up against the best teams. This game offers their best chance to stop those criticisms.
For more on the game, check out Silver Screen and Roll, Peninsula is Mightier and SB Nation Los Angeles.
See More:
