Lakers vs. Warriors game preview: Lakers finally home but have to battle Warriors

The Los Angeles Lakers are back home in Staples Center after getting a much-needed two-days rest following their road trip. What they’re coming home to, however, isn’t much of a welcoming committee as the Golden State Warriors make a stop in LA.

The Warriors are coming off of a dominant win over Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder, riding the smoking-hot hand of Kevin Durant to 39 points (7-of-11 from three-point range). That’s not a great omen for the Lakers, who will have to throw the closet at Durant to slow him down.

And even if they manage to get KD off his game, they’ll have Stephen Curry to deal with. And Klay Thompson. And Draymond Green. There is no hiding on defense.

It will be interesting to see how the Lakers play at home, where they’re undefeated (1-0 and it feels so great). This will be just their second game in their own building after being put through the grinder in a tough road trip. The franchise will bring out the ‘86-87 Hardwood Classic jerseys for the first of three times this season, which is always a great throwback look. Perhaps Russell can channel his inner Magic Johnson against the Warriors, which is what it might take to secure a Lakers victory.

The purple and gold have fought in every outing, keeping within striking distance, but the Warriors have an arsenal to pull away and keep the Lakers out of the game early. The tone of the game will be dictated on the starters from both sides, and the Lakers first five have had trouble getting off the ground early. Enjoy the game.

Time: 7:30 p.m. PT

TV: Spectrum SportsNet, ESPN