Lakers vs. Brooklyn Nets is a battle of defeated teams

The Lakers (0-4) draw the only team in the NBA lower in the standings on Friday, when they visit the Brooklyn Nets (0-5).

The Nets have one of the quietest offenses in the league, scoring 89.8 points a night, while allowing their opponents to score 104.4. The Lakers can put up points (106.8 a game), but yield a league-worst 116.8.

Both teams are desperate for a win. The Lakers’ roster is at full strength, while the Nets will be without forwards Willie Reed (thumb) and Chris McCullough (knee).

Key matchup

The Nets rely heavily on center Brook Lopez, who’s scoring 20 points a night and shooting 56.9% from the field.

The Lakers acquired center Roy Hibbert over the summer because of his abilities as a defender. Lopez will be a good test for Hibbert. If he can help neutralize the Nets’ big man, the Lakers may get their first win.

Offensively, Hibbert isn’t a major threat, but he can hit his free throws, and on Tuesday in the Lakers’ loss to the Denver Nuggets he threw down a pair of dunks in transition.

X-factor

The Nets also get scoring from guard Jarrett Jack, guard/forward Bojan Bogdanovic and forward Thaddeus Young. Veteran small forward Joe Johnson has started the season slowly.

So, too, has Kobe Bryant. The Lakers need him to find his footing, otherwise they’re relying on young players like Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell for offense.

Reserve Lou Williams has been one of the Lakers’ most dependable scorers at 16.5 points a game off the bench.

Outlook

The Lakers have an opportunity on Friday, but there’s no reason to expect a win based on what they’ve shown through four games.

Email Eric Pincus at Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.comfollow him on Twitter @EricPincus.