Lakers: Week 16 predictions

The Lakers continue to lose at an alarming rate, dropping all three contests through Week 15.

The team will have a short Week 16, before getting some badly needed time off for the All-Star break.

The Lakers will play just two games, hosting the Denver Nuggets (19-32) on Tuesday night, followed by a visit to the Portland Trail Blazers (35-17) on Wednesday.

To date, the Lakers are 13-38, one worse than the cumulative prediction of 14-37.

Tuesday vs. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets have struggled tremendously of late, dropping 12 of their last 13 games including losses in Detroit, Boston and Philadelphia.

While the Lakers have been decimated by injuries this season, losing four players for the entire season, the Nuggets have recently gotten healthy. They shouldn’t be playing as poorly as the Lakers.

While the Lakers have had significant trouble closing out games recently, they may be able to get a home win on Tuesday against a better team.

Prediction: Lakers

Wednesday at Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers now have two All-Stars, with point guard Damian Lillard replacing Clippers forward Blake Griffin (elbow). LaMarcus Aldridge, one of the NBA’s top power forwards, will also play this weekend.

Meanwhile the Lakers will be represented by Kobe Bryant, arm still in a sling after shoulder surgery.

On Wednesday, the Lakers will be hard pressed to get a win in Portland against one of the top-four franchises in the Western Conference.

Prediction: Trail Blazers

Twitter @EricPincus