Lakers: Predictions for Week 16

The Lakers won two of three games through Week 15, finally reaching double-digits in the win column at 11-42.

They’ll play just two games in Week 16, visiting the Indiana Pacers (27-24) and Cleveland Cavaliers (36-14).

Monday at Indiana Pacers

Retiring veteran guard Kobe Bryant will make his final career appearances in both Indiana and Cleveland this week.

The Pacers are one of the top eight teams in the East but is still fighting to hold its position, just two games ahead of the ninth-place Charlotte Hornets.

Indiana is led by All-Star forward Paul George, averaging 23.4 points a game while shooting 41.2% from the field and 38.9% from behind the arc.

George had played power forward earlier in the season, but rookie Myles Turner has joined the starting lineup with George playing his natural position at the three.

The Pacers have been inconsistent, but they win more games than they lose -- unlike the Lakers.

Prediction: Pacers

Wednesday at Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers are still searching for their footing, after the recent dismissal of coach David Blatt. Former Lakers guard Tyronn Lue was promoted to head coach, and while the Cavs are not where they want to be just yet as a team, they’re still in first place in the Eastern Conference.

Both Kevin Love (quadriceps) and Matthew Dellavedova (hamstring) have been slowed recently.

With LeBron James, the Cavaliers are still the favorite in most of their matchups.

The Cavaliers also have a number of weapons in players like Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith, Tristan Thompson and Love.

The Lakers appear likely to reach the All-Star break on a three-game losing streak.

Prediction: Cavaliers

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.