Lakers vs. Heat Preview and Game Thread: L.A. needs to wake up now

The Lakers look to get out of their funk against a Heat team that aims to do the same on Wednesday.

The Lakers look to snap their three-game losing streak against the visiting Miami Heat on Wednesday.

This will be the final time these two teams square off this season as L.A. looks to avenge Miami for that 40-point loss back in December. Like the Lakers, the Heat are coming off a frustrating loss to the L.A. Clippers.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat

When: 7 p.m. PT, Jan 15

Where: Crypto.com Arena

Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet

The Lakers returned to action on Monday night and just like that, they find themselves in the midst of a three-game losing streak. They haven’t won since Jan.4 because they’ve failed to capitalize on this current stretch of theirs where they’re supposed to be collecting wins.

Whether that’s because of schematic issues, rotation changes — or a lack thereof — underwhelming performances from their superstars and role players, inability to execute the game plan correctly, overall lack of level of compete, or all of the above, something needs to change. Opponents are taking advantage of the purple and gold, and no one does that better than a Heat team that can schematically outwork opponents.

Wednesday’s primetime match between the Lakers and Heat is important as both teams badly need to get back on track. It’s safe to assume that the purple and gold will be significantly more competitive compared to the last time they played to the Heat.

Miami will also bring it in this one because they’re determined to get back on the track while they continue to deal with their disgruntled superstar in Jimmy Butler — who won’t be suiting up in this one.

That said, here are two key factors to look out for that could determine the result of Monday’s contest:

Can the Lakers contain Tyler Herro and co.?

After watching Stephon Castle have his way with the Lakers’ perimeter defense as well as when Quentin Grimes and Spencer Dinwiddie did it last week, it’s scary to think about what Herro could potentially do on Wednesday. Make no mistake, the sixth-year guard is having himself a career year, averaging 23.8 points on 46.9% shooting from the field and 40.6% three-point shooting. With Butler out, the Heat’s offense starts and ends with their starting guard.

The Lakers’ perimeter defense will have to be really good in this one. Remember, when these two last played, the Heat converted 51.1% of their three-pointers.

Granted, Austin Reaves didn’t suit up for that one but still, the Lakers’ defense was non-existent to the point that five Heat players were in double figures, including Herro’s 31 points. Redick needs to counter with a strong and strategic game plan to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

Can the Lakers get out of their funk?

It doesn’t take much to tell when this team is in a funk: the drop-off in their defensive effort these last few games, their unwillingness to fight back after getting punched and their series of cold spells from the three-point line. Don’t get me wrong, going through funks like this is perfectly normal for any NBA team for as long as they’re willing to get past it.

The Lakers didn’t play like they wanted to turn the tide around for 48 minutes last Monday, and it cost them another loss.

Hopefully, we see this team fight with more force and purpose on Wednesday. One thing I’ve observed about the Lakers this season is when they’re struggling, they tend to lean into it instead of fight to get out of it. Hopefully, we see a more desperate approach against the Heat because there’s no question that the latter will bring it to them on Wednesday.

Note that for as mediocre as this Heat team is, they’re still an above-average defensive team. The key is to expose their 16th-ranked offense. Defense will be the key for the purple and gold in this one and, hopefully, it turns up on Wednesday.

Let’s see if the Lakers can wake up from this dry spell by winning versus the Heat on Wednesday.

Notes and Updates

• For the Lakers’ injury report, Anthony Davis (left ankle sprain) and LeBron James (left foot injury management) as probable. Bronny James Jr. (illness) is questionable.
• Dorian Finney-Smith (personal reasons) makes an appearance on the report as doubtful. Jalen Hood-Schifino (left hamstring strain), Jarred Vanderbilt (right foot surgery recovery) and Christian Wood (left knee surgery recovery) are all out.
• As for the Heat, Bam Adebayo (back contusion) is questionable while Josh Richardson (heel), Jimmy Butler (suspension) and Dru Smith (Achilles surgery) won’t be able to compete. Kel’el Ware (right foot soreness) is probable.
• We will be live on Playback for this game, so be sure to join us!

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.