The Lakers have played up-and-down to their level of competition of late. On one hand, they've recently posted scoreboard wins over both the Pistons and Spurs, although both teams were playing the second of back-to-back games. Still, this is a unit that has also manged to lose at home to both the Hawks and Celtics in recent weeks as well as losing on the road to the Trailblazers.
Tonight, L.A. begins a tough stretch where it play six games in eight games. That's tough and the Lakers will want to conserve some energy heading into this difficult week.
Seattle made some trade moves recently and it really seems to have helped. After Friday's 11-point home over the Timberwolves, the Sonics have cashed the Vegas ticket in five of their last six overall. Seattle (50 percent shooting last five games) has been getting excellent play of late from Ray Allen.
Still, Rashard Lewis has been off the mark of late with his shooting. Sonics' coach Bob Hill talked with Lewis Saturday and I expect Lewis, who always seems to come big versus the Lakers, to have solid game this afternoon.
Seattles is 12-7 ATS in its last 19 at the Staples Center. Meanwhile, the Lakers are only 12-16 versus the number at home this season. Once again, this is too many points.