The Miami Heat play host to the Los Angeles Lakers Monday at Kaseya Center.
Here’s a look at the game preview:
Game time: 7:30 p.m., ET
Where: Kaseya Center
TV: Bally Sports Sun
Betting line: Heat -1
VITALS: This season’s first meeting between the Heat and Lakers takes place. The teams shared the 1-1 series from the previous season, with each team winning on their home court. At this point, the Heat have defeated LA in Miami three times in a row. In the regular season, the Heat are 31-39 all-time against the Lakers, with home games coming in at 21-14 and away games coming in at 10-25. Jimmy Butler (knee) is expected to play for the Heat, but R.J. Hampton (stomach) is doubtful. For the Lakers, Jaxson Hayes (ankle) is doubtful, Rui Hachimura (concussion), Gabe Vincent (knee), Jalen Hood-Schifino (knee), and Jarred Vanderbilt (knee) are out.
“I’ve said this before; he’s redefining what is possible with human performance at that age,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of LeBron James. It also speaks well of his work ethic. The extent to which he dedicates his life to his game is something that I believe is not discussed enough. He doesn’t consider it a given. He is not arrogant about his skills. He has a work ethic that matches his talent, which is uncommon, especially when one is the most talented player in the league. The ordinary fan, in my opinion, would not even notice the difference, and it would be quite simple to put in half the time. However, in order to perform at that kind of extraordinary level, you would need to be
