The Washington Wizards are set to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night in what could be LeBron James' final appearance in the nation's capital.
Los Angeles Lakers (28-18) vs. Washington Wizards (12-34)
When: Tuesday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
How to watch: Monumental Sports Network, League Pass
Following the 119-109 win on Thursday night again the Milwaukee Bucks, the Washington Wizards will head back home to D.C. where they will host the Los Angeles Lakers for what could be Lebron James' final game in the nations capital.
There's no doubt that this matchup will drive fans to attend the game, as James' final appearance in D.C. will sell tickets -- not to mention the success that Washington's young core have had recently.
Although Washington's 11-35 record may be misleading, the core trio of Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson III have been nothing short of impressive.
Sarr has played his best brand of basketball this season, but the big man has completely elevated his game in the month of January.
In his last four games, Sarr is averaging 21 points, 10.25 rebounds, 1.25 steals and 2.5 blocks per game -- he's only 20 years old.
The sophomore has already established himself as one of the best shot blockers in the NBA, but Sarr has improved his offensive game, taking him to heights that many fans didn't think were possible.
Sarr's 2024 NBA Draft counterpart Kyshawn George has become one of the better young wings in the association.
George can defend all positions, while being a serious threat with the ball in his hands and from behind the arc. George can do it all.
Like Sarr, George has elevated his game in the month of January, averaging 17.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.0 APG, and 2.3 stocks in nine games before finishing with a team-high 23 points on Thursday night.
In what was considered a "weaker" draft class, General Managers Will Dawkins and Michael Winger found two emerging stars in Sarr and George.
Johnson has made a name for himself throughout his rookie year, as the sharpshooter is now averaging 13.1 points on 44.7/39.8/88.3 percent shooting splits.
Although Washington's young core is emerging at the right time, they will still have their hands full against this Los Angeles Lakers squad.
Led by NBA superstar Luka Doncic, Los Angeles currently occupies the fifth seed in the Western Conference, and they are doing that without rising star Austin Reaves who has missed the last 17 games due to a grade 2 left gastrocnemius (calf) strain.
Unfortunately for Washington, Reaves has been upgraded to questionable for tonight's matchup.
Washington will be without Trae Young (right knee MCL sprain, quad contusion), Marvin Bagley (thoracic strain), Tristan Vukcevic (left hamstring strain), and Cam Whitmore (deep vein thrombosis).
Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET.