Hawks Soar Against Lakers in Post-Trae Young Era: A New Chapter Unfolds
In a surprising turn of events for Atlanta basketball, the Hawks seem to have found their wings after trading away franchise cornerstone Trae Young to the Washington Wizards. Far from faltering without their star point guard, Atlanta has surged forward with three consecutive double-digit victories, establishing themselves as a formidable force in the Eastern Conference. This newfound momentum will be put to the test when they face off against Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The primetime matchup, tipping off at 10:30 PM ET, showcases two teams at fascinating crossroads – the Hawks embracing a post-star rebuild that’s yielding immediate results, and the Lakers struggling to find consistency despite their star-studded roster.
The Hawks’ resurgence has been nothing short of remarkable, with impressive victories against championship contenders like the Denver Nuggets and the always-dangerous Golden State Warriors. In their most recent triumph, a commanding 124-111 win over the Warriors, Atlanta demonstrated their revamped team chemistry with Nickeil Alexander-Walker emerging as the leading scorer with 24 points. However, it’s perhaps Jalen Johnson who has stepped into the spotlight as the team’s new cornerstone, delivering a stellar all-around performance of 23 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks. This collective effort showcases Atlanta’s successful pivot to a more balanced attack without relying on a single superstar, suggesting that sometimes, addition by subtraction can transform a team’s fortunes. The Hawks’ front office decision to move on from Young – once considered unthinkable – now looks increasingly prescient as their young core blossoms.
Meanwhile, the Lakers find themselves in a peculiar position atop the Pacific Division despite their recent struggles. Los Angeles has been the definition of inconsistency lately, alternating between three-game winning streaks and three-game losing skids. Currently mired in the latter, their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Sacramento Kings in a 124-112 road loss that raised eyebrows around the league. Even a phenomenal performance from Luka Doncic – who exploded for 42 points while adding 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals – couldn’t save the Lakers from falling to a team they should have handled. LeBron James contributed a solid 22 points, and DeAndre Ayton posted a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, but the team’s defensive issues were once again evident. The Phoenix Suns now lurk just one game behind in the division standings, adding pressure to this already crucial midseason matchup.
For basketball enthusiasts, this showdown represents more than just another regular-season game – it’s a fascinating study in team-building philosophies. The Lakers have constructed their roster around established superstars, bringing together the otherworldly talents of Doncic and the ageless LeBron James to create what should be an unstoppable offensive juggernaut. Yet their inconsistency raises questions about whether star power alone can deliver championships in today’s NBA. The Hawks, conversely, have embraced a more democratic approach after years of building around Young, distributing responsibilities across a deeper rotation of talented young players who seem energized by their expanded roles. Tuesday’s matchup will provide a compelling data point in this ongoing debate about the optimal path to contention in the modern league.
The betting markets reflect the surprising momentum shift between these franchises, with Atlanta entering as slight favorites despite playing on the road in Los Angeles. The Hawks are listed at -148 on the moneyline with the Lakers at +124, while the spread sits at Lakers +2.5 – an unusual position for a LeBron-led team playing at home. The over/under of 231.5 points suggests oddsmakers expect an up-tempo, offensive-minded contest between two teams with star power and defensive vulnerabilities. These betting lines tell their own story about the shifting perceptions around both franchises, with Atlanta’s team-oriented approach currently garnering more respect than the Lakers’ collection of individual talents. For those interested in the action beyond fandom, DraftKings provides these odds, though regional restrictions may apply.
For fans looking to catch this compelling NBA matchup, several viewing options are available. The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, while Fubo offers a streaming option with a free trial period. Fubo carries all the necessary channels for NBA fans to follow their teams throughout the season, including nationally broadcast networks like ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV, plus local team coverage. As the Hawks continue their surprising post-Young renaissance and the Lakers fight to maintain their division lead while breaking out of their current slump, this Tuesday night showdown promises to deliver the kind of high-level basketball drama that makes the NBA regular season so captivating. Whether you’re witnessing Johnson’s continued emergence as a star or marveling at another Doncic masterclass, this is a matchup that basketball purists won’t want to miss.
