Here is what you need to know before the Lakers return home against the New Orleans Pelicans.
1) The clock is ticking for the Lakers
It’s a rough time for the Lakers to fall into a slump, but that’s where they are after losing four of their last five games.
Instead of making up ground in the playoff race, the Lakers have seen their window incrementally shrink. With 22 games left, they are three games behind San Antonio for eighth place.
There has been slippage on both sides of the ball recently. Over their last five games, the Lakers’ defense ranks 28th in opponent scoring (120.8) and field goal percentage (48.7), though some of that is inflated by the rapid pace they’re playing at.
On the other end, their offensive rating ranks 29th over the last five games (104.6), which is unsurprising considering how many possessions they’ve thrown away while committing a league-high 18.2 turnovers during that span.
The Lakers have the talent to get back into the postseason push — see LeBron James’ triple-double and Brandon Ingram’s 32 points in Monday’s loss to Memphis — but they don’t have the luxury of time to waste.
2) B.I. continues to be the bright spot
While the team has struggled as a whole recently, Ingram is playing some of the best ball of his young career.
In particular, he has flourished over the last three games — dropping at least 25 points in each, while averaging 29.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 56.6 percent shooting from the field.
Ingram has put his 7-foot-3 wingspan to use during this run, constantly gashing defenses with attacks on the rim, whether he’s driving, cutting or out in transition.
Even Ingram’s perimeter game has been reliable of late, as he has hit 6-of-10 from 3-point distance in his last three contests.
3) Lakers have a chance to make amends
Four days after a disappointing loss in New Orleans, the Lakers get a mulligan against the Pelicans.
Defense was the issue last time around, as New Orleans dropped 128 points, beating L.A. by 13. Whether superstar Anthony Davis plays or rests, the Pelicans have more than enough firepower if the Lakers’ defense is not up to the challenge.
Jrue Holiday has led the team in scoring in two straight, including when he dropped 27 on L.A. Likewise, former Laker Julius Randle has been a monster down low, while reserve big man Cheick Diallo has hit all 12 of his shots over the last two games.
Injury Report
Lakers: Lonzo Ball (left ankle sprain) is out. Isaac Bonga and Johnathan Williams are on G League assignment.
Pelicans: Darius Miller (right ankle sprain) is questionable. Trevon Bluiett (right thumb surgery) is out.
Tip-Off: 5 p.m. PT
TV: Spectrum SportsNet in L.A. ESPN nationally
Radio: 710 ESPN and 1330 KWKW
Unis: Purple Statement
Location: STAPLES Center — Los Angeles, California