Get ready for a potentially explosive matchup! The Atlanta Hawks, sporting a surprising new lineup, are set to clash with the Los Angeles Lakers on January 13, 2026. But will this new Hawks team, fresh off a big win, be able to overcome the struggling Lakers? Let's dive into the details.
The Atlanta Hawks are riding a wave of momentum, enjoying their best run in nearly two months with a three-game winning streak. What's even more exciting is the debut of their revamped roster. They're heading into Tuesday night's road game against the Los Angeles Lakers with a completely different look and renewed energy.
Their recent 124-111 victory over the Golden State Warriors was a testament to this change. The newly acquired duo of CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, fresh from a trade with the Washington Wizards that saw Trae Young head the other way, made their Hawks debut. While they contributed a combined 14 points and seven assists off the bench, their presence seemed to inject a new dynamic into the team.
McCollum's impact was immediately noticeable. Hawks coach Quin Snyder praised his feel for the game, noting, "(McCollum) has a great feel for the game, and you don't have to be around him that long to get that sense. He leads by example, and you feel that on the court." This leadership, even in a supporting role, could be crucial for the Hawks' continued success.
However, the victory wasn't solely reliant on the newcomers. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the charge with 24 points, while Jalen Johnson contributed a powerful 23 points and 11 rebounds. Luke Kennard also had a standout performance, scoring a season-high 22 points off the bench, fueled by an impressive 6-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc. His nine attempts from three-point range also marked a season high. In a touching moment, Los Angeles-area native Onyeka Okongwu had 18 points and 12 rebounds ahead of his highly anticipated homecoming game.
Coach Snyder emphasized the importance of Kennard's aggressive approach: "(Kennard) can obviously shoot the ball, but I thought it was how aggressive he was getting up that volume (of 3-pointers). That mentality is something that, in part, you make more of them when you are that aggressive." This aggressive mentality could be key to unlocking even more offensive potential for the Hawks.
On the injury front, Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) and Zaccharie Risacher (knee) have both missed the past two games for Atlanta. Their absence could impact the Hawks' frontcourt depth, so keep an eye on their status leading up to the game.
Now, let's turn our attention to the Los Angeles Lakers. They're returning home after a disheartening 124-112 road loss to the Sacramento Kings on Monday, marking their third consecutive defeat. The Lakers are clearly struggling, and they need to find a way to turn things around quickly.
Despite Luka Doncic's impressive 42 points and LeBron James' contribution of 22, the Lakers' offense faltered. Starters Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart combined for a mere three points on a dismal 1-of-12 shooting from the field and 0-of-8 from 3-point range. Ouch.
The Lakers' struggles from beyond the arc were particularly glaring, hitting only 22.2% of their three-point attempts, while the Kings torched them at a scorching 65.4%. Lakers coach JJ Redick didn't mince words: "We were 28th before tonight in opponent 3-point percentage. We'll be 29th or 30th after tonight. We had 50 potential assists tonight, and we converted on 21 of those. ... This has been the theme. Just have to keep shooting, I guess." Redick's frustration is palpable, and the Lakers need to address their defensive woes and offensive efficiency if they hope to compete.
One silver lining for the Lakers was their improved ball security, with only 10 turnovers, tied for their third-lowest total of the season. While turnovers have been a persistent problem, this slight improvement offers a glimmer of hope.
Rui Hachimura (calf) was available Monday but did not play, marking his seventh consecutive game on the sidelines. He is expected to see limited action against the Hawks. Redick cited multiple factors in his decision to hold Hachimura out, including a severe minutes restriction and the back-to-back nature of the games. "He was only available for one game (of a back-to-back set), and we didn't know that until the morning," Redick said. "And it was a severe minutes restriction, so it made sense to play him (Tuesday)." Austin Reaves (calf) remains out for Los Angeles after missing eight consecutive games, further depleting their roster.
Looking back, the Hawks previously defeated the Lakers 122-102 at home on November 8, sparking a season-best five-game winning streak. In that game, Mouhamed Gueye exploded for a career-high 21 points, and Risacher added 19. Doncic had 22 points for the Lakers, his second-lowest output of the season in a game where he played significant minutes. Will the Lakers be able to avenge that earlier loss?
But here's where it gets controversial... Some analysts believe the Hawks' trade of Trae Young was a gamble that could backfire in the long run. Young was the face of the franchise, and losing him could impact team chemistry and fan engagement. Others argue that the trade was necessary to shake things up and build a more balanced team. What do you think? Was trading Trae Young the right move for the Atlanta Hawks?
And this is the part most people miss... The Lakers' struggles aren't just about individual performances; they're about a lack of cohesive team play. Their inability to consistently defend the three-point line and convert potential assists into actual points highlights a deeper issue of communication and synergy. Can Coach Redick find a solution to these problems before it's too late?
This game promises to be a fascinating clash of styles and storylines. Will the new-look Hawks continue their ascent, or will the Lakers find a way to right the ship in front of their home crowd? Let us know your predictions in the comments below! Who do you think will win, and what will be the key factors in the outcome?
