wsn-newsletter Subscribe to WSN.

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

Written by: Christian Jope
Updated October 19, 2022
5 min read
  • 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

Odds taken from DraftKings Sportsbook. Sign up and get a $1000 deposit bonus.

TeamSpreadMoney LineTotal
LA Lakers+5.5 (-105)
BET HERE
+195
BET HERE
O 227 (-110)
BET HERE
Warriors-5.5 (-115)
BET HERE
-230
BET HERE
U 227 (-110)
BET HERE

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)

Check out our NBA betting bonuses and promo codes here!

Lakers vs Warriors Predictions

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

Los Angeles LakersHead-to-HeadGolden State Warriors
Darvin HamHead CoachSteve Kerr
0-0 (T-15th in West)Standing0-0 (T-15th in West)
n/aFormn/a
n/a (30 of 30)Off Rtgn/a (30 of 30)
n/a (30 of 30)Def Rtgn/a (30 of 30)
n/a (30 of 30)Pacen/a (30 of 30)

Leaders (Per Game) (2021-22)

L. James (30.3)PPGS. Curry (25.5)
A. Davis (9.9)RPGD. Green, K. Looney (7.3)
R. Westbrook (7.1)APGD. Green (7.0)
L. James (1.3)SPGD. Green (1.3)
A. Davis (2.3)BPGD. Green (1.1)
A. Davis (.532)/L. James (11.4)FG%/FGMK. Looney (.571)/S. Curry (8.4)
L. James (.359)/L. James (2.9)3P%/3PMA. Wiggins (.393)/S. Curry (4.5)

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.

How to Watch Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors

WhoLos Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors
WhereChase Center, San Francisco, California
When10:00 PM, October 18, 2022
How to WatchTNT, NBA League Pass (Stream)
Christian Jope WSN Contributors

Christian Jope

NBA Betting Analyst

Expertise:
NBA
Betting Picks
Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. A Queen’s University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events.
Email: [email protected]
Nationality: Canadian
Education: Bachelor of Arts (Applied Economics)
Favourite Sportsbook: FanDuel Sportsbook
Favourite Casino: BetMGM Casino
Experience: 6 years
We've been featured on:
espn logo
reuters logo
cbs-news logo
forbes logo
entrepreneur logo
entrepreneur logo
We only list licensed sportsbooks
WorldSportsNetwork
WorldSportsNetwork
WorldSportsNetwork
WorldSportsNetwork
WorldSportsNetwork
Co2neutral

We support responsible gambling. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. If you need help, call 1-800-Gambler.

WSN.com is managed by Gentoo Media. Unless declared otherwise, all of the visible content on this site, such as texts and images, including the brand name and logo, belongs to Innovation Labs Limited (a Gentoo Media company) - Company Registration Number C44130, VAT ID: MT18874732, @GIG Beach Triq id-Dragunara, St. Julians, STJ3148, Malta.

Advertising Disclosure: WSN.com contains links to partner websites. When a visitor to our website clicks on one of these links and makes a purchase at a partner site, World Sports Network is paid a commission.

Copyright © 2024