Predicting every Los Angeles Lakers game, December 19-25:
December 19 at Chicago Bulls: Lose
The Chicago Bulls had their way with the Los Angeles Lakers when the two teams matched up earlier this season and I do not see the outcome going any different in the second matchup, even if LeBron James plays.
The Bulls are a team with an identity that plays good defense. The Lakers are still fighting for their identity and play poor defense. While the Lakers’ size could give the Bulls some trouble, Chicago will get the job done.
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December 21 vs Phoenix Suns: Lose
The Lakers have shown us nothing to predict them to beat the best team in the Western Conference. Could the Lakers figure it out in the next three weeks and give the Suns a competitive game? Absolutely. I just don’t see it happening.
It does not matter how poorly the Lakers are playing, every team is going to go into a matchup against the Lakers with that extra bit of juice to make a statement over LeBron James and co.
December 23 vs San Antonio Spurs: Win
The Los Angeles Lakers should be able to take care of a Spurs team that lacks starpower and depth, even if they are bringing that extra bit of juice. Not much analysis here. At this point in the season, a win over the Spurs should be a guarantee.
December 25 vs Brooklyn Nets: Lose
Sorry to ruin everyone’s Christmas but I just do not see how the Lakers can beat the Brooklyn Nets, even if the Nets are not playing up to their ceiling, either. The Nets are still playing much better than the Lakers are and the advanced metrics bear that out as true.
Brooklyn ranks sixth in the NBA in net rating this season while the Lakers rank 22nd.