Lakers at Bucks: Three things to watch as L.A. seeks seventh straight win

The Lakers arrive in Milwaukee with the NBA’s best record and a chance to extend their winning streak against a Bucks team struggling at both ends.

Los Angeles (10-2) faces Milwaukee (1-10) on Wednesday in Game 13 of 82. 

The Lakers have won six straight, while the Bucks rank among the league’s bottom five in both offensive and defensive rating.

The matchup presents opportunities for L.A. to attack a vulnerable defense and create second chances and, more importantly, keep their momentum going.

Keep the league’s top offense moving

The Lakers lead the NBA in offensive rating, scoring 121.5 points per 100 possessions. Milwaukee ranks 29th defensively, allowing 120.5.

That gives Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves a favorable matchup.

The Lakers also lead the league in effective field-goal percentage (59.2%) and true shooting percentage (63.6%), reflecting an offense that has consistently turned possessions into efficient scoring.

Milwaukee’s problems extend beyond getting initial stops. Opponents average 121.2 points against the Bucks, who force a league-low 12.5 turnovers per game.

L.A. should have opportunities to run its offense without heavy disruption. Avoiding careless passes and making Milwaukee defend multiple actions will be important to turning that advantage into another productive night.

Stay connected to Milwaukee’s shooters

The Bucks are the NBA’s second-lowest-scoring team and rank 27th in offensive rating at 105.8. Their minus-14.7 net rating is second worst in the league.

Still, Milwaukee attempts the second-most 3-pointers per game, giving the Bucks a way to change the game quickly if the Lakers allow clean looks.

Tyler Herro has been Milwaukee’s leading scorer, averaging 21.4 points and 4.3 assists while shooting 39.7% from deep. His availability bears watching after a knee injury; if he plays, containing him around screens will be a priority. 

Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kyle Kuzma and Ryan Rollins are other contributors L.A. must account for. The Lakers cannot let their attention to the ball create uncontested perimeter opportunities.

Milwaukee’s shooting volume also makes long rebounds important. A contested miss only helps if the Lakers finish the possession.

Give Kessler opportunities on the offensive glass

Walker Kessler could have an opportunity to make a significant impact around the basket.

Milwaukee allows a league-high 14.9 offensive rebounds per game. Its 64.1% defensive rebounding rate ranks 27th, another indication of why they have struggled to finish possessions.

With Kessler averaging 3.5 offensive rebounds a game this season, he could eat on the glass in Milwaukee to give the Lakers plenty of second-chance opportunities. 

The Lakers have their own work to do: They allow 13.5 offensive rebounds per game, the fifth most in the NBA. Winning this matchup requires exploiting Milwaukee’s weakness while keeping the Bucks from doing the same.

Quentin Grimes was downgraded to out in Milwaukee, missing his second straight game with a right finger sprain. He is the only player on L.A.'s injury report.