Lakers vs. Clippers: Start time, TV schedule and game preview

The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves back in the gutter of a losing streak, dropping four games in a row to match their longest stint without a win of the season. The Lakers are expected to be without Lonzo Ball once again, while the LA Clippers have to be thrilled that Blake Griffin is ready to return after missing a month with a sprained MCL.

Griffin, coincidentally, has been out since the last time these two teams met. Blake had his night cut early after suffering the knee injury, but the Clippers would go on to win the game. The Lakers are 0-2 against their hallway rivals this season, needing a win Friday night if they want a chance to split their season-series.

Kyle Kuzma is listed as questionable, joining Brandon Ingram in the quadriceps injury club. Kuzma spent Thursday getting treatment, and hopefully will be able to suit up for a Lakers team that needs as many hands on deck as possible.

The Lakers let the Memphis Grizzlies dictate everything about their last outing, playing at their grinding tempo instead of pushing the pace as they have all season. Not having Lonzo keeping the pedal pushed is certainly part of the problem, but it’s really exposing their lack of point guard depth beyond the Big Baller himself. Jordan Clarkson is the best answer there, but he’s leaning further into the scoring combo guard archetype than ever.

That puts the onus on the rest of the team — especially Ingram — to make sure they’re playing the style of basketball they’re most comfortable grooving in. Hopefully they do just that, and notch a win over the Clippers because of it. Enjoy the game!

Time: 7:30 p.m. PT

TV: Spectrum SportsNet, Prime Ticket