Game Preview: Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors

After a heartbreaking loss against the Clippers last night, the Lakers will have to quickly reset for a trip to the Oracle Arena against the Warriors.

Considering the outcome of the first two games of the season, if you had told me the Lakers would be leading the Clippers in the fourth quarter last night, I’d have called you crazy. However, a lackluster performance by the Clippers and the Lakers best game of the season created a fantastic game.

Nonetheless, the Lakers ran out of gas late and were handed their third straight loss. Now, in what must be the cruelest start to the season, the Lakers finish off their first week of games with a trip to Golden State, their fourth straight playoff contender to start the year.

Add in the fact that this will be the home opener for a sure to be raucous Oracle Arena and a likely motivated and happy Klay Thompson, who just signed a max deal yesterday, and the Lakers have a very, very steep hill to climb to win tonight.

In order to get a better sense of tonight’s game from a different perspective, we talked to Eric He of Blue Man Hoop about tonight’s upcoming contest.

(note: this Q&A came before the Lakers contest last night and Klay Thompson’s extension)

Q: Aside from Kobe, is there any player you view as a possible threat offensively for the Lakers?

A: Carlos Boozer could be a problem for the Warriors, simply because the Warriors are weak defensively at the power forward position. David Lee, who missed the season opener but could play against the Lakers, is not an elite defender by any means, and Draymond Green – filling in for Lee – is undersized. If Boozer plays physical or connects on a few shots early, he could have a big night.

Q: Taking a step back for more of a curiosity question: what is the mindset of a fanbase like Golden State, who the Lakers have had the upper hand on for most of the Bryant era, watching the Lakers in the current state, decimated by injuries?

A: It’s honestly very strange. For someone who has probably watched way too much Warriors basketball in the past decade-plus, I cannot recall a time when the Warriors were this superior to the Lakers. I remember when the Lakers played in Oakland that it would basically turn into a Lakers home game and Kobe Bryant would just toy with the Warriors, leaving us in envy and awe.

Now, it’s completely flipped, and it’s refreshing, but rather strange. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but part of me hopes the Lakers eventually get it back together and there can be a legitimate NorCal-SoCal rivalry between the Warriors and Lakers with both teams as contenders.

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Q: Is there any weakness you see the Lakers possibly exploiting tonight?

A: Aside from Carlos Boozer possibly exploiting the Warriors’ lack of post defenders, the Lakers might be able to force some turnovers out of this Golden State team. The Warriors committed 22 turnovers in their season opener against the Kings, and despite the win, do not look completely in-sync under new head coach Steve Kerr. The Lakers could take advantage of this via points off turnovers.

Q: What’s your final prediction for the game?

A: Warriors 110, Lakers 88. The Warriors should be able to take advantage of a tired Laker team that is coming off a game against the Clippers the night before and is struggling defensively and isn’t clicking offensively. Plus, given that it’s the home opener, it will give them a little more juice and incentive to pull off a lopsided victory.

Long story short: the Lakers have their work cut out for them.

Coming up against a team that runs is hard enough on the second night of back-to-back. When that team has the Splash Bros and have their first home game of the season in front of arguably the loudest fans in the league? Well, those who are pro-tanking will enjoy tonight’s game.

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