Lakers: Week 15 predictions

The Lakers surprised the Chicago Bulls, but have otherwise lost 10 of their last 11 games. They’ll play three through Week 15, visiting the Milwaukee Bucks (26-22), Orlando Magic (15-36) and Cleveland Cavaliers (30-20).

To date, the Lakers are 13-35, matching the cumulative prediction.

Wednesday at Milwaukee Bucks

Last season, the Bucks were the worst team in the league but they’ve proven to be a very solid Eastern Conference squad this season despite losing rookie forward Jabari Parker and Kendall Marshall for the season with knee injuries. Center Larry Sanders has been out of the lineup under a drug suspension, and yet Milwaukee continues to win games. Meanwhile, the Lakers have lost four players for the year (Kobe Bryant, Julius Randle, Steve Nash and Xavier Henry, since waived), struggling to win on any consistent level.

Prediction: Bucks

Friday at Orlando Magic

The Magic have been bottoming out in the East, dropping nine in a row. The Lakers beat the Magic by 17 in early January at Staples Center, playing without Kobe Bryant (rest, prior to his season-ending shoulder injury). The Lakers may not win many games, but the Magic in Orlando may be their night.

Prediction: Lakers

Sunday at Cleveland Cavaliers

Bryant’s last, great game of the season was a 19-point, 17-assist effort in defeat to the Cavaliers in Los Angeles. With or without Bryant, the Lakers are going to be hard pressed to get a win over LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love in Cleveland.

Prediction: Cavaliers

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.