The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers lock horns for the first time since their opening night clash on Saturday. The Warriors won that contest 119-109. It wasn’t particularly as close as the 10-point deficit suggests. Golden State looked more in control and dominant for the majority of the matchup.
Jimmy Butler had 31 points, while Steph Curry added 23. The Lakers received a 43-point contribution from Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves added 26 in LeBron James’ absence. It seemed like the Lakers would struggle more than Golden State during the season, but it has been the opposite.
Entering their second matchup, the Warriors are 28-24, eighth in the Western Conference, while the Lakers, fifth, are 31-19, tied with the fourth-placed Rockets and the third-placed Nuggets in the loss column.
Both teams have been dealt significant injury blows. The Warriors more than the Lakers as Jimmy Butler is out for the season after tearing his ACL on Jan. 19, while Steph Curry is out without a definite timetable to return due to a runner’s knee injury.
LA recently saw Austin Reaves return from a six-week absence, but Luka Doncic is now dealing with a hamstring injury and is ruled out for Saturday’s game.
These injuries will force lineup changes for both teams. Here’s a look at the potential starters and depth charts for the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers.
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineups and Depth Charts
Golden State Warriors starting lineup and depth chart
The Warriors will likely retain the lineup from Thursday’s win over the Suns. Pat Spencer and Moses Moody started in the backcourt. De’Anthony Melton started at small forward, with Gui Santos at power forward and Draymond Green at center.
Kristaps Porzingis won’t make his debut as he’s managing an Achilles injury.
| PG | Pat Spencer | Brandin Podziemski | Pat Spencer |
| SG | Moses Moody | De’Anthony Melton | |
| SF | De’Anthony Melton | Gary Payton II | |
| PF | Gui Santos | Al Horford | |
| C | Draymond Green | Quinten Post |
Los Angeles Lakers starting lineup and depth chart
The Lakers could replace Luka Doncic with Austin Reaves at point guard. Marcus Smart will continue at shooting guard, with the frontcourt trio of Jake LaRavia, LeBron James and Deandre Ayton.
| PG | Austin Reaves | Bronny James | |
| SG | Marcus Smart | Luke Kennard | |
| SF | Jake LaRavia | Jarred Vanderbilt | Dalton Knecht |
| PF | LeBron James | Rui Hachimura | Drew Timme |
| C | Deandre Ayton | Jaxson Hayes | Maxi Kleber |
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