Lakers at Warriors Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for an exciting matchup with the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers are eager to build on their momentum following their most emphatic victory of the season over the Boston Celtics, especially now that defensive specialist Jarred Vanderbilt, who hasn’t played since last season, is back.
Back in the Bay to give the Warriors another loss 😈 pic.twitter.com/fb4t0uprUt
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) January 25, 2025
Steph Curry and Three-Point Shooting
Steph Curry and their three-point shooting are often the center of attention while playing the Golden State Warriors. Curry is a key player for the Lakers because of his ability to shoot from wherever on the court after moving past screens.
To follow Curry around screens, the defensive plan must be flawless; all players must be in recognition, communicate well, and exhibit hustle.
The Lakers must defend the perimeter to keep the game within reach because the Warriors are among the league leaders in three-point shooting attempts and efficiency.
Securing Defensive Rebounds
Golden State is skilled at smashing the offensive glass in addition to their outside shooting. The Warriors are notorious for allowing second-chance points, especially from mid-range rebounds that, if not secured, may turn into open three-point attempts.
Anthony Davis will be crucial here, but he won’t be the only one. To box out and collect those rebounds, the whole team must do their parts and secure those rebounds.
How will the rest of the Lakers lineup assist Davis in establishing his domination on the boards? Preventing those additional Warriors possessions that may mean disaster in a high-scoring match requires teamwork.
Momentum from Recent Performance
After defeating the reigning champion Boston Celtics 117-96 in what may have been their finest win of the season, the Lakers enter this game with newfound vigor. LA jumped to an 11-point lead in the first quarter and didn’t let up.
Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves scored more than 20 points, and bench players Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht all contributed in double figures, putting the Lakers in rhythm offensively. Davis highlighted the movement of the team’s ball.
In addition to raising the Lakers’ spirits, their recent performance establishes a standard they must meet while facing the Warriors, another potent offensive. To offset Golden State’s explosive play style, the Lakers must focus on ball movement, defensive commitment, and team cohesion.
The last time we played Golden State pic.twitter.com/z9HIXoy7VV
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) January 25, 2025
The Return of Jarred Vanderbilt
The return of Jarred Vanderbilt, who has been out since February of the previous season because of a midfoot injury, is helping the Lakers gain momentum. The Lakers will have one of their top perimeter defenders in Vanderbilt, who has been cleared to return and is anticipated to play against Golden State.
Given that Vanderbilt averages 1.2 steals per game during his time with the Lakers, his presence might be crucial in restraining Curry and the Warriors’ shooters. His drive on the glass and defensive flexibility might significantly improve the Lakers’ defense, especially when grabbing those critical rebounds.
JARRED VANDERBILT PLAYS BASKETBALL TODAY 🙌 pic.twitter.com/spDxxoo6Ke
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) January 25, 2025
The Lakers will take on the Warriors, a club renowned for its ability to turn games around with its speed and shooting, as they attempt to maintain this momentum.
In addition to putting the Lakers’ recently improved play to the test, this game will test their ability to adjust strategically against one of the league’s most intelligent and formidable attacks.
