Preview: Lakers hope to avoid franchise losing streak by beating the Timberwolves
Lakers forward Kobe Bryant defends Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins during a game on Dec. 9.
With a defeat Tuesday night, the Lakers (9-41) would set the franchise’s all-time record for losses in a row. To avoid Lakers infamy, the team will need to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves (14-35) at Staples Center.
The Lakers have played the Timberwolves closely twice this season, both in losses. Minnesota has really struggled for wins the past couple of months.
Kobe Bryant‘s status (sore shoulder) remains unclear. The All-Star guard was able to play in the team’s last game on Sunday, a loss against the Charlotte Hornets.
Rookie forward Larry Nance Jr. will sit with a sore knee.
The Timberwolves are not expected to have Kevin Garnett (knee) and Nikola Pekovic (foot). Kevin Martin also recently was sidelined with a wrist injury.
Key matchup
The Timberwolves have a powerful combination of young stars in Andrew Wiggins and rookie Karl-Anthony Towns.
Wiggins is his team’s leading scorer, with 20.4 points a game while shooting 44% from the field. Wiggins isn’t much of a threat from three-point range, though, hitting just 23.5%. He’s also more of a scorer than a playmaker, with 1.8 assists a night against 2.2 turnovers.
Meanwhile, Towns is at 16.6 points and 9.9 rebounds a game, shooting 53.8% from the field and an excellent 39.0% from three-point range. Towns also hits his free throws at an 85.2% clip.
The Lakers counter Towns with a combination of Roy Hibbert and Julius Randle, along with Brandon Bass and possibly Ryan Kelly, Tarik Black and Robert Sacre off the bench.
Wiggins will either match up against Bryant, if the veteran plays, or Lou Williams at two guard. Wiggins starts for the Wolves in the backcourt, with veteran Tayshaun Prince playing small forward.
X-factor
D’Angelo Russell nearly led the Lakers to victory in Minnesota, forcing overtime but unable to convert the game-winner.
The Lakers need help from everyone Tuesday if they’re going to avoid an 11-game losing streak.
Zach LaVine is a hot and cold scorer for Minnesota. He’s burned the Lakers in the past, especially with his outside shooting. The Lakers don’t seem to defend the three well, generally speaking. LaVine is averaging 12.7 points a game while hitting 34.2% from deep — but when he gets hot, he gets especially hot.
Outlook
The Lakers are absolutely desperate for a win, and while the Wolves are eager to end their own four-game losing streak, put this one down as a rare home win.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus
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