Get ready, ESPN. Tonight you all will have the privilege of seeing the most talented, star-driven team in the NBA as the Los Angeles Lakers face off against the Golden State Warriors in a preseason rematch from this past weekend.
Okay, I’m only kidding. Kinda.
After starting the preseason on a solid note with a 2-1 record, the Lakers find themselves in a bit of a dip, losing three straight games. The team will look to right the ship against the NBA Finals runner-up and another team all too familiar with three-game losing streaks. This game will be broadcasted at 8:00 PM EST on ESPN.
Tonight’s contest will be held in San Diego, the hometown of first-year head coach, Luke Walton, so some boisterous “LUUUUKE” chants from the crowd should definitely be expected. There was some controversy over the San Diego arena last year during the preseason as the game between these two teams was cut short due to precipitation piling up on the court. Hopefully, everything has been resolved since then and there won’t be any hiccups.
These two teams last met on Saturday; the Warriors were able to get off to a hot start building a large lead in the first half. Throughout the second half of play, the Lakers found themselves chipping away at the deficit but they never were in true striking distance of the Warriors. Golden State came away with a 112-107 victory in a game that their starters completely overmatched those of the purple and gold.
However, there were some bright spots for LA. In a matchup against his idol and a player he is often compared to, Kevin Durant, rookie Brandon Ingram had his most successful game offensively as he finally broke double digits and splashed home a couple threes.
Another player who saw some success against the team from Oakland was Jordan Clarkson. He is having a very consistent preseason thus far whether he has been starting or coming off the bench. Those two will be key players that will have to find similar success if the Lakers are trying to pull this one out.
D’Angelo Russell did not have his best outing in the first matchup, but has shown flashes of dominance this preseason and looks to be ready to take the next step as the unquestioned leader of the franchise. In order to do this, he must be able to play consistently at a high level, which he has mostly done this preseason. Russell will be out to prove himself against the reigning two-time MVP, Steph Curry; this will be the marquee matchup of the evening so keep an eye on those two.
The last few preseason games will provide an opportunity for players on the roster cut bubble to prove they belong, and coaches to continue tinkering with different lineups as the season is fast approaching. With just one game left before the season opener against the Rockets on October 26th, look for a more regular season environment from this game tonight.
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