Preview: The Lakers, in Denver, have a rare chance at a winning streak
Kobe Bryant tries to steal the ball from Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay at Staples Center on Nov. 3.
The Lakers (12-49) quickly return to action Wednesday night in Denver, visiting the Nuggets (23-37). On Tuesday, the Lakers ended an eight-game losing streak with a 107-101 win over the Brooklyn Nets,
Rookie D’Angelo Russell exploded for a career high with 39 points. He and the Lakers will need another strong performance to beat the Nuggets in the high altitude of Denver on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Lakers list Kobe Bryant (shoulder) as probable, after the veteran All-Star sat out the team’s last two games. Larry Nance Jr. (knee) and Lou Williams (hamstring) are both listed as out against the Nuggets.
Denver is without Danilo Gallinari (ankle) and Wilson Chandler (hip). Jameer Nelson (wrist) is a game-time decision, but Kenneth Faried (back) is expected to play.
Key matchup
The Nuggets will need to overcome the loss of Gallinari’s 19.5-point average. Guard-forward Will Barton has emerged as a steady scorer for Denver this season.
On the year, Barton is averaging 15.3 points, but in the Lakers’ 111-107 win in Denver in December, he scored 25 points.
Bryant was the defender who finally slowed Barton down -- while also adding 31 points in 32 minutes.
Rookie Anthony Brown typically starts for the Lakers when Bryant is out. Primarily a defensive option, Brown has yet to find a consistent role offensively.
X-factor
Faried always seems to play well against the Lakers. The athletic forward is averaging 12.5 points and 8.8 rebounds a night.
He’s scored 21.0 points with 11.0 rebounds in two games this season versus the Lakers.
The Lakers will rely on Julius Randle to continue his trend of collecting double-doubles. He’s at 12.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in the two contests against Denver.
On the year, Randle is averaging 10.3 points with 10.1 rebounds.
Outlook
The Lakers have a shot at building a winning streak, but historically the road team in Denver playing on the second night of a back-to-back is walking into a schedule loss. There’s no reason to expect that to change Wednesday.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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