The Los Angeles Lakers have played Bronny James in two straight games, but only because they were blowouts. He has been limited to mop-up duties since drawing a surprise start on Nov. 15. The Lakers even started Nick Smith Jr., who is on a two-way contract, over him against the Suns. They clearly don’t trust Bronny, and Los Angeles must make changes after their recent funk.
The Lakers' defense is atrocious. They have lost four of their last six and have given up an average of 122.5 points per game over that stretch. The struggling Clippers are the only team the purple and gold held to under 114 points.