Lakers vs. Grizzlies Preview: Here we go again

The Los Angeles Lakers get a mulligan against the Memphis Grizzlies, heading back to Staples Center after dropping three in a row on the road. It's now a seven-game skid for the Lakers, who are inching closer and closer to sitting on an entire month without a victory. The Grizzlies had no problem handling business in Memphis, so an eight-game streak seems likely on the horizon.

Jordan Clarkson has been on a tear from deep since the All-Star break, topped off with a new career-high in made threes in the Lakers' loss to Memphis. His ability to be a consistent outside threat remains to be seen, but Clarkson is providing reason to believe he can complement D'Angelo Russell in the backcourt. Russell had a good game in Memphis, looking comfortable controlling the offense and picking spots for himself.

It all comes back to defense for the Lakers, though, where they're the worst team in the league. Memphis, know for grinding opponents down, sailed smoothly as they scored at their behest last time around. One day away from play won't birth some sort of newfound defensive identity for the Lakers, but after getting smacked around by those bear claws, perhaps we'll see a better effort out of the purple and gold. Maybe not letting Matt Barnes get loose for 25 points will help in this department.

Enjoy the game!

Time: 7:30 p.m. PT

TV: TWCSN, ESPN