Lakers will try to defend winning streak against Golden State Warriors

On Tuesday, the Lakers will try to add to their three-game winning streak with a game against the best team in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors (32-2).

The Warriors played Monday at home, defeating the Charlotte Hornets. They’ll try to win their fourth in a row at Staples Center.

Stephen Curry has been dealing with a shin issue, but played 32 minutes against Charlotte, scoring 30 points with four assists.

Kobe Bryant (shoulder) and D’Angelo Russell (sore throat) are questionable for the Lakers.

The Warriors will play without rookie Kevon Looney (hip). Leandro Barbosa (shoulder) and James McAdoo (toe) have been sidelined recently as well.

Key matchup

Forward Draymond Green has been a major force for the Warriors this season. He’s notched a triple-double in each of his last three games, averaging 17.3 points, 14.3 rebounds and 13.3 assists.

Green is also one of the league’s better defenders, despite standing at just 6 foot 7 -- small for a power forward and part-time center.

The Lakers will start a rookie against Green in Larry Nance Jr., an energetic, athletic 6-foot-9 forward.

Nance is still learning how to play in the NBA, but he’s collected 14 rebounds in each of the Lakers’ last two games. Over the past five, Nance is hitting 70% of his shots from the field.

The Lakers will also bring Julius Randle off the bench to match up against Green.

X-factor

Curry is the league’s leading scorer at 29.7 points a game. Warriors teammate Klay Thompson has 20.4 a night.

Small forward Harrison Barnes returned to action Monday after sitting out with a sprained ankle, suffered in late November.

The Warriors have a long list of productive players including Andrew Bogut, Andre Iguodala, Festus Ezeli and Shaun Livingston.

The Lakers are coming off a dominant win over the Phoenix Suns, getting a big night from Lou Williams, along with help from Roy Hibbert, Jordan Clarkson and Nance.

Bryant would obviously add another offensive weapon to attack Golden State, if healthy.

Marcelo Huertas may need to fill in at backup point guard, if Russell isn’t able to go.

Outlook

The Lakers have a puncher’s chance, drawing the Warriors on their back-to-back, but Golden State has been far too dominant this season. Expect the Lakers’ win streak to end at three.

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