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It's hard to feel bad for the Los Angeles Lakers, even when the franchise is imploding. The Lakers remain one of the most historically important and valuable franchises in the NBA. They've employed some of the most iconic players of all time; and they've used those players to win 16 championships, a total second only to the Boston Celtics. So, bully for them.
That's why the last couple of years -- in which the Lakers have sucked, and sucked in ways unique to them -- have been bizarrely fun to watch. Search your feelings, embrace the schadenfreude, and enjoy the memories of this time. I say memories because, hey, the Lakers are on the upswing. They're not back into the title picture (yet), but they have a good young coach in Luke Walton and an exciting mix of young talent -- D'Angelo Russell (out tonight), Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr., and Brandon Ingram. Like I said, it's hard to feel bad for them.
The Raptors certainly don't feel bad for them. As is always the case on game night, they want to beat them. Toronto is also in the midst of a four-game win streak they'd surely like to bump up to five. And not for nothing, the Raptors have never been considered on the same level as the Lakers -- even when the team from Los Angeles was in a Kobe Retirement Tour-induced fog some still insisted DeMar DeRozan would crazy not to sign there. That's disrespect. And that's also life sometimes. But if you're looking for a reason to get up for this game (besides watching the fun young team, and experiencing another Raptors win), that's where I'd put my vote.
There's not a ton of other news to report except, wait for it, here it comes... boom:
Update: Carroll not playing tonight, Norm to start. Let's party. #RTZ
— Daniel Reynolds (@aka_Reynolds) December 2, 2016
That's another reason to get turned up. Now, read the preview from Matt Teague and then, as always: let's watch.