Lakers look to take commanding 2-0 series lead over Warriors

by Ben Cooper

The Lakers take on the Warriors in San Francisco tonight as they look to take a 2-0 series lead. LA took Game 1 with a 117-112 victory.

Anthony Davis led the way, dominating on both ends of the floor. The Warriors don’t have the personnel to cover Davis. Kevon Looney and Draymond Green are Golden State’s options to cover Davis, but they are both smaller. 

Davis should continue to feast against the Warriors down low. He has also anchored the defense, altering almost every shot that Golden State brings in the paint.

LeBron James will look to have a bounce-back game offensively after struggling with his efficiency in Game 1. Game 1 has been a feel-out game for James throughout his career, and he typically steps up and adjusts the rest of the series.

The Lakers will also look for others to step up on offense, like D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Dennis Schroder, and Rui Hachimura.

The defense of Jarred Vanderbilt was phenomenal in Game 1 against Warriors star Stephen Curry. Curry is one of the toughest players to guard in the league. It will continue to be a challenge for Vanderbilt, but his defense has been pivotal.

Schroder’s defense will also be important, as he will guard Curry when Vanderbilt is off the court. 

Game 2 will be all about the adjustments that both coaches make. Steve Kerr is one of the best coaches in the league and will make adjustments to get Golden State back in the series.

The challenge will be for Darvin Ham to adjust to what the Warriors have planned. One adjustment that needs to be made is to have Davis help on the screens on Golden State’s shooters by hedging the screen. This will make it so Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole don’t get as many open looks.

The Lakers will look to seize a 2-0 series lead, completely stealing home-court advantage.

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