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Lakers: Week 7 predictions

Lakers Coach Byron Scott has changed the Lakers’ starting lineup, but will it make a difference?

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After a brief, two-game winning streak, the Lakers have dropped three straight to fall to 5-16 on the season.

They’ll play just three games through Week 7, hosting the Sacramento Kings (11-10) on Tuesday followed by road games on Friday in San Antonio and Sunday in Minnesota.

To date, the Lakers are two games behind the cumulative prediction of 7-14.

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Tuesday vs. Sacramento Kings

The Kings opened the season well, but have struggled after losing center DeMarcus Cousins for an indefinite period with a bout of viral meningitis.

Cousins is averaging 23.5 points and 12.6 rebounds a game, a lot for the Kings to try and replace.

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Instead, they’ll rely on scorers Rudy Gay, Darren Collison and Ben McLemore to try and get past the Lakers.

The Lakers haven’t been particularly competitive of late, but Tuesday is a game they should probably take.

Prediction: Lakers

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Friday at San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio (15-5) isn’t quite at their best with Tony Parker hobbled (ribs) and Patty Mills (shoulder) out -- but they’re still the Spurs.

A slump for San Antonio means a loss every now and then, but rarely to a downtrodden team like the Lakers.

With Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, Boris Diaw and Manu Ginobili, the Spurs are still a near-championship team, even without Parker. Cory Joseph may get the start.

The Lakers aren’t quite up to snuff just yet.

Prediction: Spurs

Sunday at Minnesota Timberwolves

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The Timberwolves (4-16) are the only team in the Western Conference with a worse record than the Lakers.

The team has dealt with a number of injuries (Nikola Pekovic, Ricky Rubio, Kevin Martin and Mo Williams). Despite playing short-handed, the Wolves upset the Lakers in late November by a point.

Despite the Lakers’ recent struggles, getting back at the Wolves is a viable possibility.

Prediction: Lakers

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

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