Lakers: Week 6 predictions

The Lakers are getting increasingly difficult to predict, losing last week to the Minnesota Timberwolves (4-12) but winning Sunday against the top team in the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors (13-4).

At 4-13, it’s almost always a safer bet to pick the Lakers to lose.

Through Week 6, they’ll hit the road for three games in four nights, before returning home to host the New Orleans Pelicans (7-8) on Sunday. Only one of their opponents has a winning record.

To date, the Lakers are one game behind the cumulative prediction of 5-12.

Tuesday at Detroit Pistons

The Pistons have size with Andre Drummond, Greg Monroe and Josh Smith but they’ve managed to win just three games in 17 tries.

Detroit scores 91.9 points a game, well below the Lakers’ 104.1.

The Lakers have managed to give up 112.0 points a night while the Pistons play a slower pace, yielding 98.4.

This is a game the Lakers could and probably should win.

Prediction: Lakers

Wednesday at Washington Wizards

The Wizards (11-5) are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. To date, the Lakers are a perfect 3-0 against the east.

Playing in Washington on the second night of a back-to-back is a lot to ask of the shaky Lakers.

John Wall and Bradley Beal are a dynamic backcourt, while Marcin Gortat, Nene and Paul Pierce round out a very solid squad. Nene has been out with foot issues but may be back on the court by Wednesday.

Prediction: Wizards

Friday at Boston Celtics

This is the toughest game of the week to call. Even when the Lakers were laboring through their worst season since moving to Los Angeles, they still handled the Celtics.

Boston has a lot of young, talented players and a capable veteran point guard in Rajon Rondo, but the squad has struggled to win (4-10).

Expect a big game from Kobe Bryant, but it may not be enough.

Prediction: Celtics

Sunday vs. New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans have one of the best players in the NBA in Anthony Davis, but the rest of the roster hasn’t given him enough support.

Omer Asik is a solid defensive presence inside. Ryan Anderson is a dangerous shooter off the bench.

Eric Gordon is out with a shoulder injury, which means Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans will need to play well to keep the Pelicans competitive.

The Lakers will probably finish behind New Orleans in the standings, but they should be able to get the victory Sunday.

Prediction: Lakers

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.