Lakers finally back home, hosting Milwaukee Bucks after long road trip

On Tuesday, the Lakers (3-21) return to Staples Center after an eight-game road trip to host the Milwaukee Bucks (10-15).

Of the 30 teams in the NBA, the Lakers have played the fewest at home at seven, with the next closest the Utah Jazz at 10.

Meanwhile, the Bucks are fresh off their victory over the Golden State Warriors (24-1), handing the reigning NBA champ its first defeat of the season.

Jordan Clarkson missed the Lakers’ last two games with an ankle sprain but could be available, which would push rookie D’Angelo Russell back to the second unit.

The Bucks are without guards Jerryd Bayless and Greivis Vasquez, both also suffering ankle injuries.

Key matchup

Forward/center Greg Monroe was one of the Lakers’ free-agent targets this past summer, but he chose instead to join the Bucks. On the season, Monroe is averaging 16.2 points a game with 9.8 rebounds.

The Lakers instead traded for center Roy Hibbert, from the Indiana Pacers. While Hibbert doesn’t have nearly the same offensive repertoire as Monroe, he’s a much better defender.

If Hibbert can slow Monroe, the Lakers will have an advantage over Milwaukee.

X-factor

The Bucks get scoring from Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jabari Parker, O.J. Mayo and Michael Carter-Williams.

With Clarkson sidelined recently, Russell has become a more-prolific scorer. Kobe Bryant also has played well in recent games.

The Lakers need a bounce-back game from Julius Randle, who has struggled over his previous two games.

Outlook

Both the Lakers and Bucks have underperformed this season. Milwaukee caught the Warriors on the second night of a back-to-back, following a double overtime game the night before in Boston against the Celtics.

On the road, they’re 2-10 this year.

While the Lakers aren’t strong at home (1-6), they may steal their fourth win of the year against the Bucks.

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