Lakers: Week 13 predictions

The Lakers lost all three games in Week 12, building a four-game losing streak.

They’ll play four times in Week 13, visiting the Phoenix Suns (24-18), New Orleans Pelicans (20-20) and San Antonio Spurs (26-16) before returning to Staples Center to host the Houston Rockets (12-29).

It’s unclear how many of the games ahead Kobe Bryant will play in. Coach Byron Scott said he’ll make decisions as they come.

To date, the Lakers (12-29) are one game worse than the cumulative prediction of 13-28.

Monday at Phoenix Suns

The Lakers finish their season series early against one of their Pacific Division rivals, playing in Phoenix on Monday night.

The Suns are just a bad matchup. They’ve scored at will against the Lakers for three straight wins, and are likely to complete the sweep.

Prediction: Suns

Wednesday at New Orleans Pelicans

If Anthony Davis (toe) and Jrue Holiday (ankle) sit out, the Lakers may get a win this week.

The Pelicans are trying to catch the Suns for the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference, while the Lakers are better off losing with their 2015 first-round pick in mind.

Expect at least Davis to play, and for the Lakers to lose.

Prediction: Pelicans

Friday at San Antonio Spurs

The Lakers previously upset the Spurs in San Antonio in mid-December, led by Nick Young with 29 points.

NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard sat out with a hand injury, but he’s recently returned and isn’t likely to let the Lakers steal another one on the road.

Prediction: Spurs

Sunday vs. Houston Rockets

The Lakers also got a win in Houston earlier in the season, with Kobe Bryant scoring 29 points. Both Jordan Hill and Carlos Boozer tallied double-doubles.

Dwight Howard sat out with a knee injury, but he’s long-since returned and, like with the Spurs, the Lakers aren’t likely to see lightning strike twice (even with the game at Staples Center).

Prediction: Rockets

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