Lakers vs. Bucks Preview: Home at last in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers are finally back in Staples Center Tuesday night, hosting the Milwaukee Bucks after a long trip away from home. Jordan Clarkson will make his return after sitting out two games with a mild ankle sprain, shifting D'Angelo Russell back to the bench with Julius Randle.

The Milwaukee Bucks are certainly getting value out of signing big man Greg Monroe -- he's averaging a career-high 16.2 points per game while shooting 52.5 percent from the field -- but that hasn't amounted to the kind of season a franchise seemingly on the upswing was hoping for. They've won 10 of their 25 games, sitting on the outskirts of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The Eastern darlings aren't looking great, but the Lakers are even worse. They're now last in defensive rating, allowing 108.5 points per 100 possessions, according to NBA.com. Los Angeles is on their second six-game losing streak of the season, and a loss against Milwaukee would match their season-worst stretch of losses. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak gave an extensive update on where the team is during his Lakers Voices chat, saying he's observing a team that's still engaged and competing in practice and during games.

Unfortunately that's not translating into wins.

Two days off and some time to recuperate after being on the road since Dec. 1 could be the shot in the arm the purple and gold need to get snap the streak. When it comes to snapping streaks, though, Milwaukee's highlight of the season thus far might be ending the Warriors' 24-0 run.

Enjoy the game!

Time: 7:30 p.m. PT

TV: TWCSN, FSWI