PREVIEW: The Los Angeles Lakers (7-2) will try to extend a five-game winning stretch when visiting the Atlanta Hawks (4-5) on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at State Farm Arena. The Hawks will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back without Trae Young, who is recovering from a sprained MCL in his right knee. The Lakers bring elite rim efficiency and strong perimeter defense, ranking first in attacking the rim while holding opponents to low-quality three-point attempts. Meanwhile, the Hawks feature exceptional offensive spacing, good rim defense, and they force a lot of turnovers. The Lakers will navigate this contest without LeBron James and Austin Reaves, forcing Luka Doncic to shoulder most of the offensive load. Los Angeles has won all four of their road games this season after defeating San Antonio 118-116 to extend their winning streak to five games. This matchup will likely come down to whether Atlanta can spread the floor and force the pace, or if the Lakers can impose their structured, physical brand of basketball in the half-court. The Hawks' high-volume attacking style at the rim and free-throw generation will need to overcome a Lakers defense that excels at both rim protection and limiting three-point quality.