Lakers vs. 76ers Preview: Lakers look for happy start to new year

The Los Angeles Lakers have a chance to start the new year right with their first winning streak of the season as the Philadelphia 76ers come to town. The Lakers may want to forget the last time they met, as giving the 76ers their first win of the season on Dec. 1 may have been the bottom of the valley in this ugly season.

A change for vengeance to kick of the year should hopefully motivate the Lakers to build on what was a good win against the Celtics. Yes, the offense started to fall apart through the fourth quarter in Boston, but overall they executed a game plan well and played with the kind of purpose we haven't seen nearly enough this season.

It's also a chance for D'Angelo Russell to show fans in Los Angeles that they made the right choice with him. Sure, putting up a solid performance one time in January won't make him unquestionably better than Jahlil Okafor, but we want reasons to believe in the kid. Making it pour on Philly and Jahlil would certainly check that box to start 2016.

This begins a three-game homestand at Staples Center, with the in-flux Phoenix Suns up next and Golden State Warriors closing things out in Los Angeles. Enjoy the game, and hopefully a great 2016. Thank you for the support and being a part of our community with a new year ahead.

Time: 7:30 p.m. PT

TV: TWCSN, CSP