Washington Wizards vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game Predictions (2-29-24)

Inside The Wizards staff gives you their predictions and analysis for the game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Washington Wizards (9-49) are on the road to face the Los Angeles Lakers (32-28) at crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Tip-off is at 10:30 p.m. E.S.T.

This is the first of two matchups between the Wizards and Lakers with the second game coming later at the beginning of April in Washington.

Tonight is also a homecoming of sorts for Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma who was drafted by Los Angeles.

After a thrilling comeback victory for Los Angeles over their crosstown rivals the Los Angeles Clippers last night, they welcome a Washington team that hasn't won a game since January 29th.

Kyle Kuzma: "Once A Laker, Always A Laker"

The Wizards are one loss away from a winless month of February in which they faced 12 teams with a winning record.

It would have been a difficult schedule for any team to handle yet one at the beginning of a rebuild, with the trade deadline and now a slew of injuries it has felt like a win is nearly impossible. 

Tonight's task will be just as difficult as those before.

Let's see how the Inside The Wizards staff views the game tonight.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) drives past Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) during the second half at Capital One Arena / Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Gage Sheets: Lakers 113 Wizards 103

A back-to-back for Los Angeles may signal an opportunity for Washington to steal a win in the late-night contest.

But the Lakers know how important every single game is for them right now and won't be taking their foot of the pedal.

If the Wizards want to have a chance they need to run up and down the floor and try to take advantage of the fact Los Angeles could have some tired legs later in the game.

Wizards on Collision Course with History vs. Lebron James and Lakers

Unfortunately, there is no one on Washington's roster that is going to be able to guard Lakers center Anthony Davis.

Davis should have a big game and get whatever he wants and if the Wizards bring double teams to the Los Angeles big man, he will be able to kick out to good shooters on the perimeter.

It could be a close game for a while but Lakers forward Lebron James will find a way to shut the door on any chance that Washington has.

Los Angeles will cover the -9.5-point spread but it could get close down the stretch if the Lakers become tired.

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