Los Angeles (47-26) is back home, where they will play their next three games, starting with the Brooklyn Nets (17-55) on Friday.
The Lakers looks to win their second straight game and sweep the season series against Brooklyn.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Brooklyn Nets
When: 7:30 p.m. PT, Mar 27
Where: Crypto.com Arena
Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet
The Lakers just concluded their best road trip of the season, given the stakes involved. Not only did they win five out of six games, but they defeated the Rockets
— who were lurking below them in the Western Conference standings — twice, and their only loss came down to one possession against the Pistons.
The purple and gold’s performance has been commendable, and that’s why they’re sitting nicely as the third seed in the Western Conference. Now, they’re home with the opportunity to build another winning streak. It’ll also help that the Lakers have two days of rest after Friday’s matchup against the Nets, which has been rare as of late.
And speaking of the Nets, they come into Crypto.com Arena as losers of their last nine games. They’re statistically the second-worst team in the league, and only the Pacers, who the Lakers just defeated, are worse than them. Brooklyn has shut down its best player, Michael Porter Jr., so they’re pretty much in tank mode right now. That’s why there’s really no excuse for the Lakers to lose this one.
The Lakers can win their second straight game if they simply keep up what they’ve been doing. It’ll obviously be nice to see Luka Dončić play, but he is currently listed as questionable.
The last time the Lakers played against the Nets, they dominated on the road. That was one of those rare games where none of the big three played more than 30 minutes.
Despite Brooklyn struggling, Los Angeles should still take note of Ziaire Williams, Nic Claxton and Jalen Wilson, who are leading the offense now. The Lakers should capitalize on the Nets’ lack of firepower and their inability to score.
As long as the Lakers approach this one the right way and play their usual game, then it should be a win for them.
Notes and Updates
- For the Lakers’ injury report, Luka Doncic (left hamstring soreness) and Rui Hachimura (right calf injury) are questionable.
- Marcus Smart (right ankle contusion) and Adou Thiero (left knee soreness) are out.
- As for the Nets, Egor Demin (plantar fascia), Michael Porter Jr., (hamstring strain), Day’Ron Sharpe (thumb surgery) and Danny Wolf (ankle sprain) are all out. Meanwhile, Noah Clowney (wrist sprain) is noted as probable.
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.
