Lakers vs Heat California Classic preview and Game Thread: L.A. looks to bounce back

The Lakers will face a tough Heat team as they hope to make up for the loss to open this year’s California Classic opener

After dropping their first game of the summer to the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers are back at it on Sunday when they take on the Miami Heat. The team looks to bounce back and nab a win in their two remaining games for the California Classic.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat

When: 1:30 p.m. PT, July 6

Where: Chase Center

Watch: NBA TV

Day one of the California Classic tournament was an interesting one to say the least. Just when we thought Dalton Knecht was going to lead the team and dominate the game from start to finish, he ended up having an off night, scoring just 10 points on 3-13 shooting. Instead, the veterans like Cole Swider, DJ Steward and Darius Bazley all came to play.

The inspiring effort of the aforementioned names didn’t get the job done, but it won’t take them long for them to get the opportunity to bounce back.

Also expect a tough Heat team that’s coming off a superb 82-69 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in their own summer opener.

The Heat are loaded with their own experienced and talented young guys, highlighted by Kel’el Ware, Pelle Larsson and Keshad Johnson. That trio combined for 41 points against the Spurs.

The Lakers’ frontcourt of two-way center Trey Jemison III and Swider, along with Knecht, need to match fire with fire.

Hopefully, Dalton has gotten rid of the rust and will have a completely different game in this one as all Lakers eyes will be on the 24-year-old forward all summer.

It’ll also be interesting to see who other than Swider, Steward or Bazley comes to play in this one. Will there be a fun surprise like maybe Ethan Taylor? Or even Jemison?

Remember, these summer games are also a time where the players have to prove their worth and, now more than ever, the pressure is on them to seize the opportunity and perform at a high level.

Let’s see if the Lakers can do just that and win over the Heat on Sunday.

Notes and Updates

• We will be live on Playback for this game, so be sure to join us!

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.