All Lakers Expert Predictions for Final LA-Houston Matchup Of Year

Your Los Angeles Lakers need to pick up a win here.

The nakedly tanking 19-59 Houston Rockets will host your Los Angeles Lakers today at 4 p.m. PT on Spectrum SportsNet.

At 39-38 in a bunched-up Western Conference, LA currently occupies the No. 8 seed. A win today, with LA's full starting five intact, would help solidify the team's place in the postseason race.

Take a look at our expert predictions ahead of today's bout.

1. Which non-Hall of Famer Lakers starter(s) need to shine brightest tonight?

Shooting guard Austin Reaves isn't really an X-factor in a game LA should probably win pretty comfortably, but it'd be nice to see him continue to thrive, especially against a weak Rockets perimeter defense.

Starting point guard D'Angelo Russell has been terrific for Los Angeles during his healthy games for the club. Look for him to go off against Kevin Porter Jr. During the Lakers' 114-110 loss against Houston last month, Russell had an inefficient night. He scored 18 points, but shot just 5-of-17 from the field (3-of-11 from deep) and 5-of-6 from the free throw line. He also chipped in seven assists, a rebound and a steal.

2. Can LeBron James continue to improve following his return?

LBJ has looked good, not great, since returning to the floor following a month-long absence. He should amend that this evening while beating up on the aforementioned paltry Houston defense.

In 31.1 minutes a night, James is averaging a modest-for-him 20.7 points on .469/.250/.875 shooting splits, 8.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.7 blocks a night.

3. Will the Lakers win tonight?

They certainly should, and are 12.5-point favorites to do so in Vegas. I don't think they can hit their anticipated over/under, but I do think they'll pull off the W.

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