Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers Predictions, Betting Odds, Picks, Point Spread

• The Golden State Warriors hope to return to the playoffs after missing out last year.

• The reigning champion Los Angeles Lakers find themselves fighting for their pride in the Play-In.

• The Lakers have dominated the season series against the Warriors.

Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers Odds

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Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers Predictions and Picks

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How to Watch Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers

Head-to-Head: Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers

GSW: Battle on the Glass

The Golden State Warriors are undersized when you compare them to the Los Angeles Lakers. Not only will they face the likes of Gasol, Harrell, and Drummond in the paint, but the Warriors are thin up front with just Looney as a natural center.

It’s always close on the glass for the Warriors. Despite their team rebounding effort, the Warriors won the rebounding battle in their last five games by a miniscule average of just 0.8.

From top to bottom, the Warriors players need to rebound. Whether it’s Stephen Curry or Kevon Looney, Steve Kerr’s side needs to make up for their weakness as a group.

Warriors Key Player: (G) Stephen Curry

Elite company.

Stephen Curry joins Michael Jordan as the only players in @NBAHistory to win a scoring title after turning 33 years old. pic.twitter.com/4voUO9xZG7

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 17, 2021

When you’re facing an all-time player in LeBron James it’ll always be a tough night. Luckily the Warriors have Stephen Curry, the NBA scoring leader and bane to three of James’ championship attempts.

Curry closed the season with averages of 32.0 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds on 48.1% shooting from the field.

The two-time Most Valuable Player is more than capable of taking over a game on his own. But his playmaking will also be put to the test, as the Lakers will be keyed in on him.

LAL: Maintain Late Season Intensity

The Los Angeles Lakers are not in the position they wanted, coming off of a championship-winning season. They were in free-fall in the later portion of the regular season but recovered to close the campaign on a five game win streak.

In their last five games, the Lakers defeated their opponents by a margin of 7.2 points while forcing 14.6 turnovers per game. Their rebounding advantage was apparent, collecting 44.4 per game.

The Warriors are thin on the inside, so Los Angeles will need to take advantage of their interior presence. Drummond isn’t much of an interior scorer, so it will be up to LeBron James and Anthony Davis to set their attacking tone early.

Lakers Key Player: (F) LeBron James

One-possession game in crunch time.

Cue three straight @KingJames buckets ???

(?: @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/dxCCAsnd0q

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) May 15, 2021

There is one player that will determine the success of the Los Angeles Lakers and his name is LeBron James. Even at 36 years old, James is the engine that powers Los Angeles’ success.

James may be dealing with a recurring ankle issue, but that likely won’t limit him in this matchup. The four-time NBA Champion will need to make up for the Lakers’ scoring woes, both as a facilitator and as an option on the attack.

The Lakers will rely on James heavily in this matchup. Save for Schroder and Davis, few Lakers have shown the ability to create their own shot. James’ role as a playmaker is what can propel the Lakers to victory.