Game 68 Preview: Lakers (22-45) vs. Wizards (35-33)

Oct 25, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young (right) and guard Steve Nash (left) talk on the bench during the game against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter at Honda Center. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 111-106. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a long, long fall for the Lakers this year, as they have spiraled into the abyss that is the draft lottery. With college’s best playing simultaneously to the purple and gold, most TVs will be tuned to March Madness and not the Tank Safari. However, that hasn’t deterred the Lakers, whose goal, according to Nick Young, is to finish 8-7 and not become the worst team in Lakers history.

It’s an daunting title to be named the worst team in Lakers history, given their history. With a tough schedule to finish the season, the Lakers find themselves in a position to win tonight, facing a Wizards squad on the second night of a back-to-back on multiple days rest. And with Swaggy P and Steve Nash returning to the lineup, the Lakers could have a rejuvenated squad as they battled John Wall and the team formerly known as the Bullets.

NUMBER OF THE NIGHT

30. That’s the target number the Lakers have set for wins this season. A win tonight means they can finish the year at .500 and still achieve that goal, which is a reasonable one.

X-FACTOR OF THE NIGHT

Steve Nash. The 40-year old showed flashes of his prime in Philadelphia earlier this year. But more often than not, Nash has been seen in a suit or training gear than a jersey this season. Tonight marks like Nash’s finally hurrah. He has 15 games to prove to himself, the organization, and the fans that he has something left worth giving.

PREDICTION

The Lakers play better at home, however “better” that might be. I think Nash plays well, Swaggy plays well, and the Lakers as a team play well. I’ll be optimistic and say the Lakers squeak one out, 99-92.