Still having its troubles meshing as a cohesive unit, the Los Angeles Lakers (15-17) will try to do so once again when they take on the Denver Nuggets (19-16) at the Staples Center on Sunday night.

The Lakers seemed to be setting themselves up for its third NBA championship crown in five seasons when they made an offseason blockbuster trade with the Orlando Magic to obtain Dwight Howard.

However, the respective acquisition has yet to pan out as anticipated, even with Howard putting up an average of 17.4 points and 12.0 boards along with teammate Kobe Bryant leading the NBA with 30.5 points per game.

A struggling defense seems to be the biggest concern for Los Angeles, who are ranked as one of the league's worst clubs in the back court, allowing an average of 100.5 points.

Howard, who is currently suffering from a sprained rotator cuff in his right shoulder, feels as though his team is lacking chemistry.

"We have to play like we like each other.  Even if we don't want to be friends off the court, whatever that may be, when we step in between the lines or we step in the locker room or the gym, we have to respect each other and what we bring to the table," Howard told ESPN.

"It really starts off the court.  I think you have to have that relationship and that chemistry off the court for it to really blossom on the court.  It takes time to develop that.  You just don't come together and then expect to be best friends right away.  It just doesn't happen like that," he added.

For those who have access to NBA LEAGUE PASS or would like to sign up, simply CLICK HERE to watch the Los Angeles Lakers face the Denver Nuggets via live stream.  Coverage of the NBA game is set to begin at 6:30 PM PST on Sunday, Jan. 6.

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