Lakers vs. Warriors: Game preview and thread, starting time, TV schedule

The Los Angeles Lakers will finish their preseason slate Friday night against the Golden State Warriors, this time in San Jose. Los Angeles is coming off a 123-113 victory Wednesday night against these same Warriors, though it’s still unknown who all might participate as both teams look ahead to the regular season.

Which brings me to the central theme of the game Friday night: Please, everyone involved in this game, PLEASE stay healthy. That’s literally all that matters. You know what? Let’s do this. LeBron James? Sit. Lonzo Ball? Take a seat. Brandon Ingram? Take a night off. Wrap JaVale McGee in bubble wrap.

Lance Stephenson? COME ON DOWN! This is the only time I will ever ask for 38 minutes of you.

While we’re basically on this topic, I’d like to propose a change to the preseason rules. All games should be three periods instead of four quarters long. You’re all welcome in advance. Alright, back to previewing a game in which I hope the majority of the participants don’t participate.

For those who will participate in this game, there are a few things worth keeping an eye on. Svi Mykhailiuk has looked like a No. 47 pick this preseason. With so many regulars probably sitting, it would be nice to see him head into the G-League season with a little momentum.

The Lakers also need to figure out what their backup center situation is going to look like until the buyout market begins to take shape. Thus far, Michael Beasley has looked fine defensively, but underwhelming on offense. Yeah, I know. It’s weird. Ivica Zubac had one solid-ish game but didn’t play at all Wednesday night. That will probably change Friday. One of those two will need to step up consistently, or else McGee might have to play 48 minutes per game until a move to bring in an NBA-caliber back center is made.

But again — and I can’t stress this enough — the number one (two, three, four, five, etc.) priority is to get out of the game with the team’s full rotation intact. Everything else beyond that is secondary.

Tip off for the game is 7:30 PM, PT. You can watch the game on Spectrum Sportsnet.