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The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of their longest losing streak, which just so happens to coincide with their worst stretch of injuries of the season. The Phoenix Suns are hurting even worse in the win-loss column, which might have something to do with T.J. Warren missing extended time.
Nick Young and D’Angelo Russell have begun practicing with the Lakers but are not returning Friday night. Tarik Black and Jose Calderon will also miss the game, leaving the Lakers very shorthanded once again. Things didn’t go well in Houston, but that was against one of the best offensive teams in the NBA. Phoenix is a far cry from that, and even down four players, the Lakers should have a chance to get back on track.
They have just two home games left before embarking on a long seven-game roadie, and a win would be a nice boon to their spirits with Young and Russell getting closer to returning. Doing it against a Pacific division rival would be even better.
It hasn’t been pretty watching the Lakers trying to figure out how to survive without two of their top players, but every team goes through stretches without key pieces. It’s a matter of responding, finding things that work and playing hard. The fight has almost always been there for L.A., but the clouds in the skies have diminished their execution on both sides of the ball.
Regardless, enjoy the game. You never know what these Lakers might do.
Time: 7:30 p.m. PT
TV: Spectrum SportsNet