Preview: Struggling Nets Face Lakers, Doncic in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The Los Angeles Lakers, firmly in the Western Conference playoff picture, look to rebound from a surprising loss when they host the league-worst Brooklyn Nets on Friday night at crypto.com Arena.

The Lakers (46-26) saw a seven-game winning streak snapped with a 113-110 loss at Detroit on Monday. Despite the defeat, superstar Luka Doncic continued his phenomenal season, posting 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Over his last 10 games, Doncic is averaging a staggering 39.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.3 assists, including a 60-point outburst against Miami on March 19. He is supported by a veteran core including LeBron James, who nearly had a triple-double in the Detroit game with 12 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists.

They face a Nets team (17-55) mired in a deep slump, having lost 10 of their last 12 games. Brooklyn is coming off a 134-99 road loss to Portland on Monday, part of a 1-5 road trip. The Nets rank near the bottom of the NBA in both offensive and defensive efficiency.

A rare bright spot for Brooklyn has been the recent play of forward Ziaire Williams. Over his last five games, Williams is averaging 16.6 points, including an 18-point performance in a narrow loss to Sacramento last Sunday. He scored 16 points in Monday’s loss to Portland.

The Lakers won the previous meeting this season, a 125-109 victory in Brooklyn on Feb. 3. The Nets have not defeated the Lakers since the 2022-23 season.

For Los Angeles, the game represents a critical opportunity to stabilize against inferior competition before a difficult closing stretch. Eight of their final 10 opponents are currently in or near playoff position. The Nets continue a challenging Western Conference swing, seeking any positive momentum before returning home to face Sacramento on Sunday.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PDT.