Preview: Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs

The Lakers (22-44) will host the San Antonio Spurs (50-16) on Wednesday at Staples Center.

The teams played Friday in San Antonio, with the Spurs pulling away easily for a 122-104 win.

San Antonio has the best record in the league. The Lakers continue to struggle, officially eliminated from postseason contention.

The Lakers will play without Kobe Bryant (knee), Steve Nash (nerve root irritation), Jordan Farmar (groin), Jordan Hill (knee) and Nick Young (knee).

Key matchup

Pau Gasol played well against the Spurs on Friday, scoring 18 points with 11 rebounds and four blocks in just 26 minutes.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, Gasol’s performance was just a drop in the well -- the Spurs went up early and kept an easy lead for the victory.

Tim Duncan played just 15 minutes, nearly getting a double-double with nine points and eight rebounds.

The Lakers have had four days off, which should mean fresh legs. The Spurs will need more from Duncan on Wednesday.

X-factor

Tony Parker played even fewer minutes (14) than Duncan, scoring seven points with four assists.

The Spurs dominated the Lakers through and through, with five reserves in double figures. The Lakers looked exhausted, playing in San Antonio on the second night of a back-to-back.

On the season, Parker is the Spurs’ leading scorer at 17.5 points a game while shooting 50.2% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range.

Jodie Meeks will likely spend time guarding Parker. Meeks scored 15 points on Friday, but shot just five of 17 from the field.

With Farmar out, the Lakers will need a big night from Kendall Marshall at the point. Meeks may back him, although the Lakers may also look to Xavier Henry and Kent Bazemore to help behind Marshall.

None are even close to true point guards.

Outlook

The Lakers have 16 games left with lottery position at stake. The Spurs should add one more in the Lakers’ loss column.

ALSO:

A Lakers fan put Phil Jackson in touch with New York Knicks

Lakers gain closure with Phil Jackson’s departure to New York

Jordan Farmar out at least two weeks with moderate groin strain

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