I would not go west of the sierras to 99 or 5; the safest route is likely 395, 50, 95; however, there is a very cold front passing through with little snow. I would be tempted to take 395 south to Lone Pine and ask locally about 190 conditions. Going those mountain roads (5k elevation top) down into Death Valley National Park is awesome. What I don’t know is whether the shutdown affected 190 road maintenance. I would not recommend 120 to 6 to 95 (near Lee Vining). I found the small winding lanes and passes unnerving in perfect summer weather. If you get to Lone Pine and the locals dissuade you, continue on 395 and head east to Barstow, taking 15 to Lost Wages.
It is awesome but he’s driving a rented truck.