Lakers vs. Heat Game Preview: Return the favor to the travelers

The Miami Heat pay a visit to the Los Angeles Lakers as the returning home team rounds out another back-to-back set. The Lakers were eviscerated by Evan Turner and C.J. McCollum, sent back to LA with another blown lead in the books.

The Lakers need only look at their second quarter effort and execution for inspiration on how to improve. Replicating that level of play is something the Lakers have been capable of doing throughout the season, but finding a way to sustain it through 48 minutes has been the issue.

Hassan Whiteside has missed the Heat’s previous three games due to an eye injury, and his availability remains unclear leading in. Justise Winslow had a career-high night in the Heat’s win over the Lakers on Dec. 22, adding to the avalanche that was.

The Heat have gone 1-6 over their last seven games, smack dab in the middle of a five-game road trip. The Lakers have an opponent in a position they’ve been in while traveling so often through the first months of the season. Perhaps it’s time to return the favor and take advantage of a road-wary team for once.

There’s No Such Thing As A Free Laker Game, but this is a good opportunity for them to key in on the positive things they’ve done over the previous few games. It’s also a chance for the team to show they’re capable of adjusting from a loss they suffered not long ago. Letting Tyler Johnson and James Johnson run wild certainly wasn’t the best strategy last time around.

Enjoy the game, marking the start of a three-game home stand that includes visits from Orlando and Portland on deck.

Time: 7: 30 p.m. PT

TV: Spectrum SportsNet