All Lakers Expert Predictions For Golden State-Los Angeles Matchup

Tonight, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena for the final regular season matchup of 2023-24. The Warriors currently lead the Lakers in their season series, 2-1.

Normally, an early-April regular season matchup between the No. 9 and No. 10 seeds in the West wouldn't be a big deal, but this is the Warriors and the Lakers, two of the premiere clubs in the league.

The last time these two clubs met up, on March 16th, both were just a handful of games above .500 records. Since their last encounter, the Lakers have gone 9-2 (LA is now 45-34), while the Warriors have gone 8-4 (43-35 overall). LA's offense has greatly improved over the last several months, while the Warriors have looked far stronger on that end of the floor thanks to the improved play of Klay Thompson and head coach Steve Kerr's decision to go all-in on a small ball starting five, with Draymond Green being shifted frmo a power forward spot to a center role.

So what should we expect out of this final clash, with the availabilities of LA All-Stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis still up in the air (per the league's most recent injury report)? Let's dive in.

Can the Lakers beat the game spread?

According to sportsbook aggregator The Action Network, Los Angeles is a -3.5 point favorite to win. I'm sure that's predicated on one or both James and Davis playing. If one or both of those guys suits up, LA should really have a size advantage, and playing at home should get plenty of preferential referee treatment if the game gets close late. Take the Lakers to cover the spread.

Which non-Stephen Curry Warrior could be the most dangerous against LA?

Klay Thompson has been on a tear recently, while third-year wing Jonathan Kuminga has come back down to earth following a tantalizing early run. Forward Andrew Wiggins is probable to play through a left ankle sprain. Green, though he doesn't score much, is still a lethal passer who can occasionally nail a wide-open three if left alone. I think taking Thompson out of rhythm and letting Curry shoot all he wants makes sense as a strategy. Leave the Warriors' best player on an island, limit his passing outlets, worry about the guys you can control. That starts with Thompson.