Lakers News: Warriors Stars’ Turmoil Continues Ahead Of Pivotal LA Matchup

Something to keep an eye on during this series.

The Los Angeles Lakers are about to enter a semifinals matchup against the Golden State Warriors filled with history and storylines. LeBron James alone has battled this franchise in the NBA Finals more than other teams have even made appearances there.

Even though this Warriors team hasn't looked anywhere as strong as in past championship seasons, they are not to be taken lightly at all. 2014 was the last time they got knocked out in the postseason before reaching the Finals and they just took down the Sacramento Kings after coming back down 0-2.

STEPH VS. LEBRON. WARRIORS VS. LAKERS.

This is going to be fun 🍿👀 pic.twitter.com/iu2VpGktew

— ESPN (@espn) April 30, 2023

However, there are a couple of factors that need to be carefully identified about the Warriors that go beyond the advanced stats and one of them happens to be team chemistry. 

A viral video from one of Golden State's practices surfaced just before this season where two of their key players Draymond Green and Jordan Poole got into a physical altercation. Green elected to take matters into his own hands and throw a punch at the 23-year-old guard.

Draymond’s punch on Jordan Poole pic.twitter.com/lsvlCUwZcC

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 7, 2022

Coming off of a 2022 playoff run where he averaged 17 points and almost four assists, Poole was awarded a four-year extension worth $128 million. Green, on the other hand, is on the final year of his current deal with Golden State and has yet to guarantee his future with the team.

Even though both of these guys confirming that these differences have been put behind them, Lakers fans should take a look at this interaction between them during their series against the Kings.

Draymond x Jordan Poole 👀 pic.twitter.com/QZXgIC0fUG

— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) April 30, 2023

Green, being the experienced vet here, was trying to have a word with his teammate on the bench but Poole was having none of it as he pushed him away and continued his way to his seat. Curry then had to go try and talk some sense into him.

Even though Poole solidified himself as one of the best sixth man options in the NBA last season, things have been quite different this time around. His numbers have plummeted to just 12 points in the first round on 25% from deep.

Green has been involved in his own drama thanks to a dispute with Domantis Sabonis that got him ejected.

You’re gonna tell me Sabonis’ first priority once he collided with the ground was to grab Draymond? Bro was tryna shield his face and y’all know it pic.twitter.com/ZgTcrKshjZ

— Bryce 🎸 (@MileHighMims) April 18, 2023

Like I mentioned before, the Warriors will be a challenge no matter what but the Lakers do have to feel good knowing that their group is not as tight-knit as in the past.

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