Lakers: Week 5 predictions

The Lakers climbed back to .500 (7-7) after a perfect 2-0 record throughout Week 4.

So far this season, the Lakers have won on the road just once in five tries, although three were on the second night of back-to-backs.

Week 5 presents three away games in four nights, including a back-to-back -- followed by a home game Sunday against the surging Portland Trail Blazers.

With a win over Golden State on Friday, the Lakers are now two wins ahead of the cumulative predictions.

Tuesday at Washington Wizards

The Wizards (5-8) started the season slowly but have won three of their last four games.

Bradley Beal has been a force in his second year, averaging 20.6 points a game -- but Beal may sit with a leg injury.

John Wall is also having a strong year, putting up 18.6 points, nine assists and 2.1 steals a game.

The Wizards also have size in Marcin Gortat and Nene - along with perimeter shooters/defenders in Trevor Ariza and Martell Webster.

With Beal possibly out, the Lakers may have a shot to steal one in Washington but it won’t come easy.

Prediction: Wizards

Wednesday at Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn has been a complete mess this season, losing five in a row to fall to 3-10.

The Lakers and Nets are playing on the second night of back-to-backs. So far the Lakers have lost all three tries on the road in similar situations.

The Nets are an older group with veterans like Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. Health has been an issue for Brooklyn with Deron Williams, Brook Lopez, Andrei Kirilenko and Jason Terry all questionable.

If there’s a game to get on the three-game road trip, it’s Wednesday in Brooklyn.

Prediction: Lakers

Friday at Detroit Pistons

The Pistons (6-8) played exceptionally well against the Lakers for the first half of a Nov. 17 loss -- but fell apart in the final 24 minutes.

Detroit has tremendous size in Greg Monroe, Andre Drummond and Josh Smith. If the team’s guard core (Brandon Jennings, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Rodney Stuckey) is shooting well, the Lakers may be in for a long night.

While the Lakers have shown they can beat the Pistons, twice in a short time is a lot to ask.

Prediction: Pistons

Sunday vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The general rule of thumb for the Lakers vs. Blazers -- home team gets the win.

This particular Portland team has been one of the surprises of the NBA, winning 11 straight to start the season 13-2.

The Blazers don’t have great depth but their starting five of Damian Lillard, Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum, LaMarcus Aldridge and Robin Lopez is almost as good as any in the league.

The first game back after a road trip tends to be a challenge. The Lakers may be in for a difficult week.

Prediction: Blazers

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