LA Lakers (24-18) at Golden State (22-22)
- When: Jan 25 2025, 8:30 PM
- Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- TV: ABC
Game Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers are slight favorites, laying 1.5 points with a total set at 218.5, as they travel to San Francisco for a Saturday night showdown against the Golden State Warriors. This iconic rivalry will feature some fresh faces, including Warriors rookie Quinten Post, who is quickly making an impression in the NBA.
Game Overview
Post, a 7-footer from the Netherlands, had a breakout performance Thursday against the Chicago Bulls, tallying 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists in Golden State’s dominant 131-106 victory. Notably, Post drained five 3-pointers, setting a Warriors record for a player of his size. His ability to stretch the floor complements Golden State’s offensive system, especially when paired with Stephen Curry.
“Playing with Steph has been a learning curve,” Post shared. “He makes life easy for guys like me. I’m just trying to adjust and play my role.”
Post’s emergence is timely for the Warriors, who are looking to bounce back after falling to the Lakers 115-113 on Christmas Day. In that matchup, Golden State struggled to defend LeBron James, who delivered a stellar 31-point, 10-assist performance, while Anthony Davis was limited to just seven minutes due to an ankle injury.
Lakers Outlook
Los Angeles comes into this game with momentum, winning four of their last five games, including a commanding 117-96 victory over the Boston Celtics on Thursday. Anthony Davis and LeBron James have been firing on all cylinders, but Davis has openly stated the team’s need for additional size to support him in the paint.
“We need another big,” Davis said postgame. “I’ve always been at my best playing the 4, with another big out there handling the 5. It worked when we won a championship, and it can work again.”
The Lakers are on a quick stop in San Francisco before embarking on a grueling four-game East Coast road trip. Maintaining their recent form and getting off to a strong start against the Warriors will be crucial.
Warriors Analysis
Golden State is still finding its footing as they integrate young talent like Post while managing injuries and inconsistent performances. Stephen Curry remains the focal point of their offense, and his ability to create opportunities for teammates will be key. However, the Warriors’ defense, especially against LeBron and Davis, will need to step up. Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis struggled to contain the Lakers’ frontcourt in the Christmas Day loss, and they’ll need better production from their bigs to avoid a repeat.
Prediction
The Lakers have been the more consistent team lately and will benefit from the rest advantage, having played just one game since Thursday. Their star duo of Davis and LeBron is in peak form, and Golden State’s defense has been unreliable without key contributions from its frontcourt.
Expect Los Angeles to lean on their size and experience to control the tempo, while Golden State struggles to slow down the Lakers’ offense. With Davis anchoring the paint and LeBron leading the charge, the Lakers should cover the small spread and grab another win in this historic rivalry.
Final Score Prediction: Lakers 110, Warriors 105
Betting Pick: Take the Lakers -1.5 and consider the under at 218.5 as both teams could emphasize defense late in the game.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
