The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors find themselves in similar positions heading into the 2024-25 season. Teams led by veteran superstars are trying to figure out the right mix of players and rotations to get back into championship contention. They are set to square off for the first time this preseason on Tuesday night at the home of sports betting, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Of course, the Lakers have LeBron James and Anthony Davis, while Stephen Curry and Draymond Green lead the Warriors. Still, both teams are considered fringe championship contenders at best and are using this preseason to see what they have surrounding those stars.
Austin Reaves Returns
Austin Reaves is back in the lineup for the Lakers after dealing with a minor ankle injury that kept him out of the last preseason game. The guard looks to get his jumper going as he has struggled, particularly with his 3-point shot, though he has been excellent elsewhere on the court. Reaves’ playmaking while limiting turnovers and ability to get to the foul line has been outstanding this preseason, and if he can get his jumper on track, it will help take the Lakers to another level.
Rui Hachimura is also someone the Lakers expect big things from, and it is extremely important for him to settle into his role in JJ Redick’s offense. The Laker’s young players, Max Christie and Dalton Knecht, have gotten much attention off the bench, but point guard Gabe Vincent will also be necessary to watch.
So far this preseason, Vincent is shooting 60% from the field and 50% from deep while providing the hard-nosed defense Redick is looking for from him off the bench and figures to play a prominent role for the Lakers. Of course, the biggest star in the win over the Milwaukee Bucks was Quincy Olivari, who remains on a training camp deal but will look to continue impressing and force the Lakers to figure out a way to keep him around.
Warriors Rotation
The Warriors have their own rotation and lineup issues to figure out. Chief among them is who will start in the backcourt next to Curry. One of the main candidates, second-year guard Brandin Podziemski, is out in this one as he suffered a broken nose. New additions Buddy Hield and DeAnthony Melton will each get some time next to Curry, who will suit up despite a minor finger issue to see what works best for Steve Kerr and the Warriors.
Jonathan Kuminga continues to be someone the Warriors have tabbed to take a step up for them this season, so the Lakers will need to lock in on him and ensure he doesn’t have a huge night. Moses Moody, Kyle Anderson, and Gary Payton II will also get plenty of minutes in trying to figure out the wing rotation while Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis battle for center minutes.
The Lakers and Warriors have built some rivalry over the past few seasons so that the intensity might be a little higher at the outset. Ultimately, both teams will be highly focused on experimenting with different lineups to determine what works best before the regular season begins.
Los Angeles Lakers (1-2) vs. Golden State Warriors (4-0)
7:00 p.m. PT, October 15, 2024
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
TV: Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV
Radio: 710 AM ESPN LA
Projected Lakers Starting Lineup:
PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: LeBron James
PF: Rui Hachimura
C: Anthony Davis
Key Reserves: Max Christie Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, Dalton Knecht, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Bronny James
Projected Warriors Starting Lineup:
PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Andrew Wiggins
SF: Jonathan Kuminga
PF: Draymond Green
C: Trayce Jackson-Davis
Key Reserves: Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II