Stinar For 3, Episode 6: Los Angeles Lakers-Golden State Warriors Prediction
The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors will be the second game of the NBA's 2021-22 regular season kick-off on Tuesday evening.
After the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks square off in Wisconsin, the TNT broadcast will head straight to Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
According to SI.Sportsbook.com, the Lakers are 3.5-point favorites over the Warriors.
How Does Each Team Look Heading Into The Season?
The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off of a disappointing season that saw them lose in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs to the Phoenix Suns in six games.
However, their roster is totally revamped.
Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard have returned (both were on the championship team in 2020).
The biggest additions are Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony entering the fold.
They now have a former MVP to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Last season's results are basically irreverent because of how many new players this team has.
As for the Warriors, they are also coming off of a disappointing season.
Steph Curry averaged 32.0 PPG, which led the entire NBA, but the Warriors missed the NBA Playoffs and were once again without Klay Thompson.
After making the NBA Finals five times in a row (and winning three times), they have missed the playoffs the last two seasons.
Most of the roster is returning from last year, but there is an expectation that Thompson could return sooner rather than later (see video below from Stadium of Stadium and The Athletic's Shams Charania speaking on Thompson).
Prediction?
The Lakers have a lot of chemistry issues they will need to figure out in order to get everyone in their new roles playing well.
When they won the 2020 NBA Championship they actually lost the first game of the season to Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Things will take time for them to click.
As for the Warriors, they have a lot to prove after last season.
They must prove they are still one of the elite teams in all of basketball after missing the playoffs the last two seasons.
However, with Staples Center excited to see their new team loaded with stars, I think the Lakers will pull it out in a close one.
Prediction: Lakers win by 3
Watch the full video of Stinar For 3, Episode 6
Watch all of the previous "Stinar For 3'' podcasts
- STINAR FOR 3 (Episode 5): Previewing the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks CLICK HERE.
- STINAR FOR 3 (Episode 4): Three NBA teams to make the playoffs that didn't last season. CLICK HERE.
- STINAR FOR 3 (Episode 3): What's the status of Kyrie Irving? CLICK HERE.
- STINAR FOR 3 (Episode 2): Can the Milwaukee Bucks repeat? CLICK HERE.
- STINAR FOR 3 (Episode 1): The Ben Simmons drama. CLICK HERE.
