The biggest narrative I've seen today is that this LAL/GSW game is going to be all time great. Steph vs LeBron. This gives me cause for concern, however. One thing is for sure, the Lakers aren't really a play-in team. Maybe the Warriors aren't either if Steph didn't miss 9 games, but we know the Lakers with LeBron aren't for sure. We can't even use numbers to quantify how good the Lakers are because THIS team doesn't have much run together but they did get a few games under their belt to develop some sort of rhythm. And even an out of rhythm Lakers team managed to win by more than 5.5 on the road in both games they've played. I guess what I'm saying is, the line is a little short here. Not by much, but it is.
This is not 'do or die' for either team but not many people expect the Warriors to win so that means all of the pressure is on LA. A loss here doesn't effect steph's legacy like it will LeBron. And LeBron did try to butter Steph up with compliments but Steph assured us and LeBron that it would not affect how he played on the floor by stating he's "not giving LeBron a pass". To me, I get it, but that just fires up the Lakers even more because I start to get the sense, that the Lakers get the sense, that these Warriors feel like they can actually win this game. And the Warriors should feel that way winning 8 out of the 10 games. The Lakers on the other hand, should feel like it's time to bring the Warriors back down to earth. I like the Warriors, I think they are right there with any team with a similar or slightly better record as them but we must understand there are levels to this, and the Lakers are definitely a step above these Warriors. I'm not saying the Warrior can't beat these Lakers but I do believe it would take a specific situation where the Warriors have the rest advantage, or where they're coming off of a loss instead of a huge win to determine seeding. All things equal, the Lakers have a better defense, a better offense, and more guys who can get their own bucket if all else fails.
The Warriors enter into this game in rhythm, so it's possible they open up the game fast, but soon that #1 defense of the Lakers will figure out how to defend whatever the Warriors are throwing at them. I don't expect Steph to have the same kind of game he had Sunday against Memphis.
Play: Lakers -5.5
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