Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors: LeBron James Enters His 20th Year in the NBA

• The Los Angeles Lakers hope to stake their claim on the Pacific Division when they face the reigning champs in their first game.
• The Golden State Warriors look to overcome their offseason drama in their home opening match.
• The Warriors swept their season series against the Lakers last season, 4-0.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Odds

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Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Predictions and Picks

The Golden State Warriors will always have the shooting advantage, representing what made them NBA Champions in 2022. However, the revitalized Lakers made defense-oriented moves and a healthy Anthony Davis gives them a difficult threat for the Warriors to manage.

Pick:

Los Angeles Lakers def. Golden State Warriors (+195)

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

LAL: Can the Lakers Show Off A New Style?

Last year's Los Angeles Lakers weren't something you'd expect out of the storied franchise. While injuries derailed much of their season, they also struggled to be the offensive force that they project to be. To beat the Warriors, the Lakers need to show they've overcome last year's issues.

Through the 2021-22 NBA season, the Lakers were one of the league's worst-performing teams. They were in the bottom third in terms of offensive and defensive rating, showing off their overall lack of balance and talent. With reinforcements and better options around their stars, Los Angeles will look to rewrite the narrative surrounding them.

If there's one thing they want to carry over from last year it would be their pace of play and interior presence. With improved talent and a healthy roster, a Lakers team with James and Westbrook pushing the break can be a real threat.

Lakers Key Player: (F) LeBron James

Despite some promising performances from the Lakers last season, a lack of consistency and inability to keep their best talent on the court failed them. LeBron James enters his 20th year in the NBA with an eye on getting back into the NBA title race.

Even though James played just 56 games last year, James led the Lakers in scoring with 30.3 points per game, while also posting 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists. James remains the Lakers' lead playmaker, so how he optimizes the Lakers' new talent will be key to their success.

Chemistry will determine the Lakers' success. James has shown through preseason that he's much more willing to participate in action with his teammates that puts him off the ball, but if they struggle to convert he can always fall back on his scoring versatility.

GSW: Can the Warriors Youngsters Make the Jump?

The Golden State Warriors won the NBA title last season, but were their own victim this offseason. With so much money tied up in Curry, Thompson, and Green's contracts, Golden State lost many key contributors over the summer. Now the Warriors will be counting on Poole, Kuminga, and Wiseman to make the jump.

While Wiseman sat out for all of last season, Poole and Kuminga were surprise contributors. They combined for season averages of 27.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. With the added presence of Wiseman to the paint, it shouldn't come as a surprise if they become more productive as a group.

Of course the likes of Curry, Thompson, and Green will always be the focus for the Warriors offense. But after showing promises throughout their young careers, the Warriors bench should outplay the Lakers' if they hope to help their team to a win.

Warriors Key Player: (G) Klay Thompson

With the Golden State Warriors coming off of another title and some young talent vying for extensions and a bigger role, all eyes are on Klay Thompson to prove that he can live up to his $40 million per year contract. Thompson was productive in his short stint last season, but will want to do more this year.

Through the 2021-22 season, Thompson posted 20.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. While he appeared in few games, he shot a very efficient 38.5% from three-point range and 47.7% from inside the arc.

With the likes of Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga ready to break into the Warriors rotation, Thompson needs to be sure he doesn't get left out. He'll need to be more available than in recent seasons, while also maintaining his scoring efficiency.

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