Lakers: Week 2 predictions

The Lakers come out of Week 2 with a 1-3 record despite playing three of four at home.

The prediction was for the Lakers to beat the Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons but lose to the Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers. The difference was the opening-night loss to Dallas.

With Steve Nash sidelined, the team will play three games this coming week, two at home but the first in Utah against the Jazz.

The following is a breakdown of their second week’s schedule (through Sunday):

Wednesday at Utah Jazz

The Jazz always seem to be a dominant home team. If they are strong on the road, they make it to the postseason. If not, they’re on the wrong side of the bubble.

The Lakers will be challenged by a team with true size in Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors.

Despite winning their opener, the Jazz have dropped two straight. This early in the season, they’re vulnerable (even in Utah).

So are the Lakers, who have only put together one truly great performance this preseason against the underwhelming Detroit Pistons.

Under normal circumstances, the Lakers in Utah is going to go to the home team, but with the Lakers needing to make up ground, they should put up a strong performance.

Prediction: Lakers

Friday vs. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors are an explosive team with greater balance between offense and defense than in years past. The key for Golden State is always health, and already the team has lost its best perimeter defender, Brandon Rush, to an ACL tear.

The combination of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson may be the best true-shooting backcourt in the league. Andrew Bogut with David Lee gives the Warriors needed size and skill up front.

This is a game in which the Lakers could be vulnerable, but call it a win streak that gets L.A. to .500.

Prediction: Lakers

Sunday vs. Sacramento Kings

The Kings proved to be a challenge for the Lakers over the preseason and while Sacramento hasn’t been able to put it together so far in the regular season, they always seem to play the Lakers well.

Momentum in the NBA is an odd thing. It’s rare for a team to sustain it, and this could be a step backward for the Lakers.

Prediction: Kings

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