The Lakers are an impressive 12-6 on the Western Conference road, but even with a day off before each game, this trip starting Friday is daunting: New Orleans, Houston, Dallas, Utah. The Lakers have not faced a late-season trip with four opponents combining for at least a .600 winning percentage since 1973, and no NBA team has since 2005.
Game the Lakers will win? Houston, even with the Rockets rolling. They’re just not that good, and assuming they take care of business Friday against visiting Charlotte, they’ll be saddled with the pressure of their 21-game winning streak on national TV.
Game the Lakers won’t win? Dallas, which is getting better and better and will be motivated after its narrow loss at Staples on March 2.
