It’s April 1, 2012 and the (32-20) Los Angeles Lakers host the (20-30) Golden State Warriors in the 52nd game of this truncated season. The Lakers were forced to put on a furious comeback yesterday in order to beat the New Orleans Hornets, the worst team in the Western Conference.
Lakers’ power forward Pau Gasol, center Andrew Bynum and point guard Ramon Sessions all posted a double-double against the Hornets. L.A. shooting guard Kobe Bryant had a terrible game, starting 0-15 and finishing 3-21 – by far the worst start to a game of his career.
Fortunately, for the Lakers though, how you start is not as important as how you finish. Bryant was 0-7 from behind the arc before knocking down his only three of the game, which happened to be the game-winners that also snapped the Lakers two-game losing skid at home. He also become the leading candidate for having the Ugliest-Game-of-the-Year-Award. The way this contest went should not be a complete surprise to Lakers’ fans or those paying attention; L.A. rallied from a 17-point deficit to win in New Orleans two weeks ago.
The Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors 104-101 five days ago in Oakland, California. In that game, the Lakers had a fast start, built a lead, lost it and Kobe Bryant knocked down two timely shots for the win. The Lakers’ poor shooting, their lack of defense, lack of athleticism, lack of depth, and lack of any consistent scoring off the bench; as well as no offensive rebounding and the heavy minutes played by the man are all taking their toll on the 14-time All-Star.
The Lakers lead the current season series with the Warriors (2-0) and won last year’s series 3-1. L.A. has swept four of the last six season series with the Warriors and has not lost a season to them since losing 2-3 in the 1994-1995 season. The Lakers are 28-4 in their last 32 games against Golden State and are 23-2 all-time against them at the Staples Center. Kobe Bryant has scored 1,545 points against the Warriors; it is his highest total among all opponents he has faced.
Golden State is a team dealing with a lot of injuries but, as always, will put up a tremendous fight against the Lakers. L.A. needs to play a 48-minute game consisting of improved defense, solid screens, good ball movement, solid player movement and of knocking down open shots. Sessions is a nice addition to the purple and gold and the team’s 5-4 record since his acquisition proves it. He’s given the Lakers a huge assist offensively. The defense will determine the success or failure of this team.
Starters
Lakers: R. Sessions, K. Bryant, M. Peace, P. Gasol, A. Bynum
Warriors: C. Jenkins, K. Thompson, D. Wright, D. Lee, J. Tyler
Tip-off: 6:30 PM PST
Television –
- Los Angeles: FS West (Bill Macdonald & Stu Lantz)
- Golden State: CSN Bay (Jim Barnett & Bob Fitzgerald)
Radio –
- Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (John Ireland & Mychal Thompson)
- Golden State: KNBR 680 (Tim Roye & Jim Barnett)
Injuries –
Lakers:
- Jordan Hill (Sprained MCL, Right Knee) Questionable
Warriors:
- Stephen Curry (Ankle Sprain) Out
- Andris Biedrins (Groin) Day-to-Day
- Nate Robinson (Hamstring) Day-to-Day
- Andrew Bogut (Ankle) Out