The Los Angeles Lakers are one win away from making the Western Conference Finals — a place no one envisioned them to get to given their start to the season. But they still have to get past the formidable Golden State Warriors in Game 5, or maybe a 6 should the latter rattle off a win after trailing 3-1.
LA owe their Game 4 win to Lonnie Walker IV, who went from a starter to a bench toaster, only to stage a solid comeback pouring 15 points in the fourth quarter to help the Lakers extend their lead. The Warriors had maybe accounted for the starting five but didn’t see a hurricane in the form of Walker head their way.
That said, the Warriors are not done yet. And Stephen Curry outlined it clearly in the aftermath of the loss. “There’s a confidence that we can figure this out. Just focus on Game 5, and take it from there. You can’t fast-forward to the end,” he said.
“But we have a lot of confidence in our ability to take the good things from tonight and protect our home court. That’s all you can do right now. Gotta maintain positivity, knowing how tough this was tonight. But, (there’s) a long way to go.”
And that speaks volumes about a team that has championship DNA and experience embedded in them. Can they stop the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis? Or will the Lakers pull off a 4-1 stunner to send the defending champs packing?
On that note, we take a look at the projected starters, the injury report of both sides, and the predictions.
Golden State Warriors Injuries And Expected Lineups
Andre Iguodala (left wrist) and Ryan Rollins (right foot) are out of the contest, while Patrick Baldwin Jr. (left toe) is listed as questionable. The rest of the Warriors are cleared to take the floor.
Stephen Curry (G), Klay Thompson (G), Andrew Wiggins (F), Draymond Green (F), and Kevon Looney (C) will be the starters for Golden State.
Los Angeles Lakers Warriors And Expected Lineups
According to ESPN’s updated injury report, the Lakers’ injury report remains unchanged with LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ foot injuries marking them as probable. Mo Bamba (ankle) is listed as questionable.
The Lakers will go with an unchanged starting unit with D’Angelo Russell (G), Austin Reaves (G), LeBron James (F), Jarred Vanderbilt (F), and Anthony Davis (C).
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Predictions
The Lakers have been one step ahead of the series losing just one of the four games so far. They enter Game 5 as the firm favorites and after wins at the Chase Center, they will be confident of beating the Warriors in their own backyard.
LA’s size and depth have been an issue for Golden State, but the latter’s offense has still been the potent weapon. They will look to get the better Curry and Co. again by putting on a strong defensive effort.
What the Lakers cannot afford to be is complacent, while the Warriors cannot run out of juice given their playoff run and championship are on the line. Expect James to come good this skirmish, and watch out for a potential Jordan Poole explosion.
