Lakers: Predictions for Week 13

With their Sunday night loss to the Houston Rockets, the Lakers have just nine wins in 43 tries, slotting the team in last place in the Western Conference.

They’ll play three games through Week 13, hosting the Sacramento Kings (17-23) and San Antonio Spurs (36-6), while visiting the Portland Trail Blazers (18-25).

Through 12 weeks of play, the Lakers are two wins behind the cumulative prediction of 11-32.

Wednesday vs. Sacramento Kings

Larry Nance Jr. has been sidelined with a knee injury. Kobe Bryant’s status (Achilles) is generally touch-and-go.

The Lakers will need to be healthy when they host the Kings, an inconsistent but dangerous team.

DeMarcus Cousins is one of the top offensive big men in the league. Rajon Rondo is a crafty point guard, and Rudy Gay can score in bunches.

The Kings are shaky defensively, but so are the Lakers.

If the Lakers are going to get a win this week, Sacramento is their most likely target.

Prediction: Kings

Friday vs. San Antonio Spurs

Despite the Golden State Warriors’ blistering-hot start to the season, currently 38-4, the Spurs are just two games behind after winning 11 straight.

Two big reasons are the play of forwards Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge.

Of course, the Spurs still have Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili.

Prediction: Spurs

Saturday at Portland Trail Blazers

The Lakers always seem to have a difficult time in Portland. Guard Damian Lillard is usually the reason why.

And the fact that the Lakers are playing on the second night of a back-to-back doesn’t help the situation.

Portland has already beaten the Lakers twice this season; expect a third loss.

Prediction: Trail Blazers

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus