Lakers vs Celtics Summer League preview and Game Thread: Can this team actually win a game?

The summer Lakers look to snap their losing streak against their rivals, the Celtics, on Monday in Las Vegas.

The Lakers are still searching for their first win of the summer. They aim to snap their losing streak against the Boston Celtics on Monday in their second game in Las Vegas.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics

When: 7:30 p.m. PT, July 15

Where: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas

Watch: NBA TV

We know by now that this year’s summer Lakers have been anything but fun and, after going 0-4 in the last week, the question that remains at this point is whether or not they can head back to Los Angeles with at least one win under their belt.

There have been highlights every now and then, like how the team’s 17th overall pick, Dalton Knecht, proved last game that he’s NBA ready, but there’s no sugarcoating the fact that this summer Lakers team isn’t impressing overall.

But who knows? Weird things have happened and maybe this Lakers team can surprise us with a feel-good victory against no other than the Celtics.

Because even if it’s a Summer League game, beating the Celtics is necessary. The Celtics summer team also isn’t off to a good start after losing their first game to the Miami Heat on Saturday. Hopefully, Knecht and co. can give Lakers fans something to cheer about as they take on a squad featuring four-year guard Jade Springer, Jordan Walsh, Neemias Queta and rookie Baylor Scheirman.

Aside from beating the C’s, it would be nice to see some improvements from this young Lakers team. Can they attempt to play hard for 40 minutes this time? Can someone make sure the opposing team’s best player doesn’t go off for 20 or more points like Cam Whitmore did last game? And more importantly, can the Lakers try a little better on the defensive end?

Years from now, nobody will vividly remember this summer Lakers team. But what will be considered is the development these young bloods have showcased especially when discussing their status with the team moving forward. That’s why the likes of Max Lewis and Colin Castleton need to give more in these summer games as they lead a team in search of their first victory.

Let’s see which young Laker shows some pride on Monday and starts the week right with a victory against the Celtics.

Notes and Updates

• We’ll be live on Playback for this one, so be sure to join us to watch along!

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.