Here’s everything you need to know about the Golden State Warriors’ matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.
For as long as most people can remember, the state and the NBA has belonged to the Los Angeles Lakers.
From Wilt Chamberlain to Showtime to Shaquille O’Neal, the Lakers were always at the top. Conversely, the Golden State Warriors were generally at the bottom, dropping games and then fumbling their draft picks.
Now the roles have reversed and it’s the Golden State Warriors that are looking to make history and start a dynasty while the Lakers have been looking towards next year’s draft since last season. The Warriors have easily defeated Los Angeles three times this season by an average of 24 points per contest.
If the Warriors can complete this sweep (which they most likely will), it will be the first series sweep Golden State has handed the Lakers since winning five games in the 1993-94 season. This was the third year in a row the Warriors have won the series against their state rivals.
This could also be the last time the Warriors get a look at Kobe Bryant, the future Hall of Famer in his last season. Oracle Arena gave the veteran shooting guard a wonderful sendoff, chanting his name and showing him respect despite the years of burying their team with bucket after bucket. He’s listed as questionable due to a shoulder injury that held him out in the Lakers’ loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
Lou Williams (ankle) and Anthony Brown (stress reaction, right foot) have been ruled out for this matchup. Jordan Clarkson (patella tendon strain), who also missed the Hawks game along with Bryant and Williams, is listed as questionable. The high-flying Larry Nance Jr. (sore right knee) is probably to play in the game.
Andre Iguodala (left hamstring tightness) did not play in the Warriors’ win over Atlanta, but he did log fourteen minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Head coach Steve Kerr revealed that the swingman probably won’t play both games in their back-to-back.
The last time these two teams faced off, the Warriors won handily in Oracle Arena 116-98 as Stephen Curry tallied a game-high 26 points. Bryant played 28 minutes, totaling just 8 points and 6 rebounds.
The Warriors enter today’s game on a seven game winning streak while the Lakers are on a two game losing streak and have lost ten of their last eleven contests.
Sunday’s projected lineups are below.
Golden State Warriors Oklahoma City Thunder
Draymond Green – PF Julius Randle– PF
Harrison Barnes – SF Kobe Bryant – SF
Andrew Bogut – C Roy Hibbert – C
Stephen Curry – PG D’Angelo Russell – PG
Klay Thompson – SG Nick Young– SG
For those that want to catch the action on Sunday afternoon, the game can be seen nationally on ABC. It can also be viewed online via a live stream on the WatchESPN App. Here’s how to watch online.
Date: Sunday, March 6, 2016
Start Time: 12:30 p.m. PST
Location: Los Angeles, California
Venue: Staples Center
TV Info: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN App