The Lakers will face the undefeated Warriors on the road in their toughest test yet
There’s no reason sugarcoat what’s up next for the Los Angeles Lakers. On Tuesday night, they will go on the road to ORACLE Arena to face a Golden State Warriors team that won the title last year, has yet to lose a game in the 2015-16 season, and that still has the reigning MVP in Stephen Curry on the roster. If that sounds like a daunting task, that’s because it is.
These two teams could not stand in more stark contrast of one another. As the Lakers have won only two of their first 13 games, they rank 28th in the league offensive efficiency and defensive efficiency. Over their 15-0 start to the year, Golden State leads the NBA in offensive efficiency and ranks fifth in the league in defensive efficiency. That paints a pretty clear picture that these are two different classes of team.
It gets worse for the Lakers, though. For one, their problems offensively largely stem from a lack of ball-movement and too many shots coming out of isolation. That’s not going to fly against a versatile Warriors defense that is terrific at defending on the ball. What’s more, the Lakers also struggle mightily at defending opposing guard. Correct me if I’m wrong, but that seems problematic against Curry and Klay Thompson.
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On the positive side of things, this game will be fantastic experience for guys like D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson. Not only will they be tested to their limits, but they’ll also get a first-hand look at what a cohesive, successful NBA team looks like. The important part to that is Byron Scott allowing them to experience this atmosphere and not either bench them or freeze them out in favor of players like Kobe Bryant and Lou Williams.
Even in a game that seems out of reach before the opening-tip, there can still be things accomplished in regards to the future of the franchise and development of young players. There’s almost no chance that the Lakers hand the Warriors first loss of the year, but not all is lost as there are still positive things Los Angeles can show.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 24
Start Time: 7:30 p.m. PST
Location: Oakland, CA
Arena: ORACLE Arena
TV Info: TNT
Live Stream: TNT Overtime
Radio: KNBR 680 AM, 710 AM ESPN
Point Spread: Warriors -17
Moneyline: Warriors -5000, Lakers +1700
Over/Under: 212.5
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers: Julius Randle (sore left toe) – Probable
Golden State Warriors: Kevon Looney (right hip surgery) – Out
Prediction
Not that much has been looking great for the Lakers over their 2-11 start, but this matchup could not be the worst. The Lakers’ offense has looked inconsistent and too isolation-heavy, which should cause struggles against the quick, versatile Warriors defense. Moreover, the weakest link in the Lakers defense is on the perimeter and, well. Stephen Curry is still a thing. It’s going to be a tough night for Lakers fans watching what unfolds at ORACLE.
Final Score:
Next: What Can the Lakers Learn From the Warriors?
Try to enjoy the game and be sure to check back with Lakeshow Life for highlights, analysis, and more!