Preview: Can Lakers hand the Warriors their first losing streak?
Warriors guard Klay Thompson led Golden State to victory over the Lakers with 36 points during a game at Staples Center on Jan. 5.
The Lakers (9-31) have an opportunity to hand the Golden State Warriors (36-3) their first losing streak of the season Thursday night in Oakland.
On Wednesday, the Warriors fell in Denver to the Nuggets, resting productive power forward Draymond Green -- who may also sit out against the Lakers.
While Kobe Bryant (Achilles) wants to play, he remains a game-time decision. Brandon Bass (ankle) is less likely to be available.
The Warriors are easily the best team in the league, although the San Antonio Spurs (34-6) aren’t far behind.
Key matchup
The Warriors have dominated the Lakers, and the entire league this season, led by Stephen Curry’s 29.8 points and 6.5 assists a game.
Curry is shooting 50.7% from the field, 44.4% from three-point range and 90.5% from the free-throw line.
The Lakers will try to stop him with Jordan Clarkson, D’Angelo Russell and possibly Lou Williams, Anthony Brown and anyone else Coach Byron Scott can think of.
X-factor
Of course the Warriors also have a number of other weapons, including Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes and Andre Iguodala. It’s difficult to stick constantly to Curry with Golden State’s depth.
When the Lakers lost to the Warriors on Jan. 5, 109-88, Thompson was Golden State’s leading scorer with 36 points.
Clarkson had a big game with 23 points, but the Lakers shot just 31.9% from the field.
The Lakers played without Bryant; he’s hoping to play his final career game at Golden State on Thursday.
Outlook
The Warriors may be fatigued on the second night of a back-to-back, but they’re still the heavy favorite over the Lakers.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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