The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Washington Wizards with very different situations. Los Angeles is chasing a top seed. Washington is dealing with inju.

The Los Angeles Lakers (28-18) face the Washington Wizards (12-34) Friday in Washington, DC. Tip-off from Capital One Arena is set for 7 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NBA odds around the Lakers vs. Wizards odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes opens up about the incident with the Washington Wizards mascot as well as accepting the invite for the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Lakers center Jaxson Hayes apologizes after shoving Wizards mascot G-Wiz during pregame. Hayes served a one-game suspension and addressed the incident publicly.

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes said he apologized to his teammates and the Washington Wizards' mascot in the wake of his one-game suspension.

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes apologized to the Washington Wizards and their mascot after his altercation last week.

The Los Angeles Lakers were surprisingly quiet at the trade deadline but have a rare opportunity for a surprising reunion.

Plus, Jayson Tatum’s latest hint that he’s pushing for an in-season return and whether Mark Cuban has a real play at buying back the Mavericks.