Lakers vs. 76ers: Start time, TV schedule and game preview

The Los Angeles Lakers have had plenty of quiet time to reflect on where things stand after taking in another multi-day layoff without games. Three days without competing were definitely needed before the squad packed up for a four-game road trip that opens against the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday afternoon.

On this fine day it will be hard to avoid the just-breaking storyline of Jahlil Okafor being traded (along with Nik Stauskas and a second-round pick) to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Trevor Booker. Okafor, who once appeared on course to become a Laker, is now teaming up with D’Angelo Russell in Brooklyn.

Strange times.

We saw these young cores clash not long ago, with the 76ers visiting STAPLES Center on Nov. 15. You probably haven’t forgotten Joel Embiid dropping 46 points on the Lakers, and hopefully the same goes for the entire team. The Lakers planned their defensive tactics around slowing Embiid down last time around, and the same will definitely be the case with another crack at Philly’s phenom.

Hopefully the time off has left Lonzo Ball’s calves feeling better. The No. 2 pick was feeling the initial wear and tear of the season after his first 20 games, feeling like he had knots in his legs. The Lakers definitely need him running at full speed if they want to snap the ugly five-game losing streak they’re currently on.

Enjoy the game, which hopefully is an example of the Lakers learning from last time and picking up a much-needed win on the road.

Time: 4:30 p.m. PT

TV: Spectrum SportsNet, TNT