Lakers vs. Pacers Game Preview: Just another rainy day

The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of their second-longest losing streak of the season, turning a promising start to January into another disappointing month one game at a time. Their five-game losing streak is on the line with the Indiana Pacers in town during a rainy Friday afternoon.

D’Angelo Russell has struggled through this ugly stretch, attempting 12.2 attempts per game while shooting just 32.8 percent from the field. His three-point shooting is even worse at a dismal 11.1 percent on 3.6 attempts per game. There’s not a lot to like about how Russell is playing right now, and even when it starts to feel like he’s found some momentum is disappears as soon as he returns to the bench. It’s been an awful stretch, and the results speak to that.

Paul George is doing his best to carry the Pacers, who are currently in line to make the playoffs with a 22-19 record under head coach Nate McMillan. The emergence of Myles Turner has certainly helped and should give the Pacers hope for the future. The big man is going to surely be a big problem for the Lakers, who are horrendous at defending the paint as a team. Julius Randle will have to body up against him to secure boards as well, though he’ll be at a size disadvantage.

The Pacers certainly aren’t world beaters, but their two key pieces are matchup nightmares for the Lakers. Does this mean it’s a wrap before tipoff? Of course not, but on paper this is a bad way to end their four-game stay in Los Angeles before hitting the road for a three-gamer.

Enjoy the game, and stay dry and safe fellow Californians.

Time: 7:30 p.m. PT

TV: Spectrum SportsNet, ESPN