The Washington Wizards host the Los Angeles Lakers in a crucial NBA matchup on January 31, 2026. The Wizards (11-34) are struggling at the bottom of the league, while the Lakers (28-18) are contending for playoff positioning. Both teams have been involved in high-scoring games recently, with the Wizards averaging 111.6 points scored in their last 5 matches and the Lakers posting 115.4 points per game in their recent outings.

The Washington Wizards enter this game with a form string of WLLLL, having scored a total of 558 points while conceding the same amount in their last 5 games. Their notable victory against the Portland Trail Blazers (115-111) showcased their offensive capabilities, but they have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 111.6 points per game. The Los Angeles Lakers, on the other hand, have a form string of WLWLW, scoring 576 points in their last 5 matches while conceding 563 points. Their recent loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers (99-129) highlighted defensive issues, while a notable win against the Chicago Bulls (129-118) emphasized their offensive prowess.

The Washington Wizards currently sit at the bottom of the league rankings (30th) with a record of 11 wins and 34 losses after 45 games played. They have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 124.4 points per game. Conversely, the Los Angeles Lakers rank 8th in the league, boasting a solid 28-18 record after 46 games. They have averaged 115.1 points scored per game while allowing 110.4 points, indicating a more balanced team performance throughout the season.

• 1Wizards are ranked 30th with 11 wins and 34 losses this season.
• 2Lakers rank 8th in the league with an average of 115.1 points scored per game.
• 3Both teams have allowed over 500 points in their last 5 games, indicating defensive weaknesses.