Lakers drop possible play-in matchup against Warriors

Just as the Lakers were knocking on the door to the 8th seed, they dropped back-to-back games in a disappointing 134-120 loss to the Golden State Warriors. 

Although the Lakers were without Anthony Davis again due to a headache, they had LeBron James back in the lineup.

To start off the contest, Draymond Green knocked down his first five triples, a part of his game that has never been strong throughout his career. This allowed the Warriors to exploit the Lakers’ hindered interior defense.

This also enabled Golden State to jump in front by 11 at the end of the first quarter, clinching complete control of the game.

In addition to Green’s career night, Steph Curry shot 6 of 6 from downtown, another recipe for disaster when playing the Warriors.

Curry would also partake in the team’s best three-point percentage in NBA history, shooting 26 of 41 from beyond the arc. The 26 threes are also the most allowed by the Lakers in franchise history. 

This woeful night would also account for the Laker bench getting outscored 45 to 20. From the poor perimeter defense to the non-existent bench play, the Lakers had no hope of winning this game. A game critical to getting them out of possibly two, play-in games.

There were, however, two positive takeaways from tonight’s loss. The absence of Anthony Davis, whose interior dominance will always prove to be important against a small Warrior lineup. 

And LeBron James’ illness, who commented how he’s been under the weather for the past few days and was even uncertain about his availability prior to tonight. 

“I know me more than anybody, there was no way in hell I was going to be able to play in that game on Sunday, I just didn’t feel right at all.” LeBron responded when asked about how he’s felt these past few days. 

Since this would likely be the Lakers’ first matchup in the play-in game, the game plan will be simple. Defend the three and make sure a healthy Anthony Davis is ready to play.

The Lakers are not too eager to look ahead to the play-in game, as they are now only half a game ahead of the Warriors for the 9 spot. It is immense that the Lakers play the Warriors at home because anything can happen when Curry plays on his home court.

The Lakers’ next two games are on the road in Memphis and New Orleans. The Lakers need to win both games to avoid any chance of playing in Golden State. 

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