Lakers Look to Stop Skid vs Warriors 

The Lakers enter the final three-game stretch of the season Thursday night as they take on the Golden State Warriors. 

With Steph Curry and others out due to injury, the Lakers, who are depleted themselves, have a real opportunity to get back into the win column. Winning also means maintaining their status as the 4 seed in the West. Here is how they can get it done.

Carving Out New Roles 

JJ Redick and his staff have been trying out every lineup combination and scheme possible since the injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. As a result, guys are still trying to find their new roles. Luke Kennard has found his role as a facilitating ball handler. That needs to continue.

However, players like Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia have to find ways to be better. Any way to provide LeBron James some support is needed.

Avoid Underestimating a Depleted Opponent 

The Warriors will have approximately just 9 active players for tonight’s game. That makes this team of role players easy to underestimate.

But the Lakers cannot allow that to happen. While JJ Redick has said seeding priority is gone after the injuries, this is still a real chance to continue to control their own destiny for home court advantage in round one.

Wrap Up 

Tipoff for tonight’s game is scheduled at 7 PM on Amazon Prime.

As mentioned, a win keeps the Lakers at the four seed for at least another day. A loss and a Rockets win tonight sends them down to the 5th seed. The Lakers cannot mathematically drop any lower than that, however.

This game is also the first of a back-to-back, as the Lakers will face the Suns tomorrow night in LA.