Despite that, Los Angeles should not be cocky entering this game. Not only are the Lakers on a four-game losing streak, but the Wizards pulled off a win against the defending champion Miami Heat on December 4. As inexperienced as they are, they have proven this season that they can play giant-slayer.
Los Angeles has also been weak on the road this season, going just 2-8, and that could come back to bite them even though they are a far superior team than the lowly Wizards.
Both teams have their fair share of struggles and could really use a win entering tonight's game. The Lakers need to break their losing streak, and the Wizards just need a win period. By the final buzzer, the losing team will feel one of two things: they'll either know they were just in a hard-fought game and need to get back to the drawing board, or they'll be suffering the agony of an absolute blowout.
Time: Friday, December 14th, 7:00 p.m. EST
TV: CSN HD, Time Warner Cable Sportsnet
Records: Los Angeles Lakers (9-14) vs. Washington Wizards (3-16)
Betting Lines: Los Angeles (-5 1/2), Washington (+5 1/2)
Injuries: Steve Nash (leg, out), Pau Gasol (knee, doubtful), Steve Blake (abdomen, out), John Wall (knee, out), Trevor Booker (knee, doubtful), Trevor Ariza (calf, out), A.J. Price (hand, out)
Key Storyline: Can Lakers Break Streak Against Washington?
The Lakers are on a four-game losing streak, and there is really no reason that they should not break it against the Wizards.
Much like their opponents tonight, Washington is depleted by injuries and in particular the one suffered by star point guard and team leader John Wall. The f...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
