Here is what you need to know before the Lakers face the Golden State Warriors in a preseason exhibition in San Diego.
1)
The Lakers are looking for a better showing this time around against Golden State. Los Angeles’ subs made the score closer in a five-point loss to the Warriors in Las Vegas on Saturday, but the starters were largely outclassed in a 74-47 first half. Three of Golden State’s best — Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry — went off for 55 points in 59 minutes.
2)
The Lakers aren’t the only ones who have been blitzed by the Warriors’ high-octane offense. Golden State is averaging the second-most points in preseason (111.8), while Thompson is the league’s second-leading scorer (19.6) and Durant is tied for seventh (18.2).
3)
The player with the same average as Durant is L.A.’s D’Angelo Russell. The second-year guard has easily been the Lakers’ top player this preseason, leading the team in scoring, assists (4.7) and steals (1.8). While Russell had five assists and a pair of steals against Golden State, he did shoot just 3-of-10 for eight points on Saturday.
4)
When it comes to efficient production, it can be argued that no Laker has made more of their playing time than Thomas Robinson. The journeyman has come in at the end of games and is currently averaging 4.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in only 8.1 minutes. The former fifth-overall pick is fighting for a roster spot and his 5-of-7 shooting this preseason certainly helps.
5)
This game will be held in San Diego where the Lakers have plenty of connections — including from head coach Luke Walton, who was born and raised in the city. However, the Warriors once (very briefly) considered the town part of their home. When the San Francisco Warriors changed their brand to “Golden State” in 1971, they decided to reflect this by playing six home games in San Diego that year, though they abandoned the idea the next season.
Tip-off: 7 p.m. PT
TV: Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum Deportes in L.A. ESPN everywhere else.
Radio: 710 ESPN and 1330 KWKW