Technically, tonight is the last home game the Los Angeles Lakers will play until December 21st. While their road trip officially begins tomorrow, it is hard to call taking on the Clippers at Staples a road game.
In order to maintain their rediscovered momentum, it would be in the Lakers’ best interest not to take their next two opponents lightly. Tonight the Washington Wizards and top pick John Wall come to Staples. Tomorrow it’s the Clippers and their second year rookie sensation Blake Griffin.
With a combined record of 11-30 it is easy to overlook the Wiz and Clipps but that would be an ill advised move at this point in time. The Lakers have already given away enough wins to sub .500 comp. Those are the types of losses that could prove costly in April when playoff seeding is on the line.
Aside from Friday’s stop in Chicago, the Lakers won’t face another team on their 7-game swing that has a winning record. While winning on the road is always easier said than done, the away dates do provide the opportunity for teams to grow together.
But that is looking too far down the line. For now this team needs to focus in on coming out with the same intensity they hit the Kings with on Friday. If they can jump on the Wizards early it could mean precious rest for the starting five late. That rest will be worth its weight in Purple and Gold come this time next week when the Lakers are winding down their travels.