In their final preseason game of 2024, the Golden State Warriors are set to defend their spotless record with a chance to close out the preseason with a perfect 6-0 run. A strong showing throughout the preseason has fans buzzing with excitement, as the Warriors have delivered five straight victories, creating plenty of optimism for the upcoming NBA season. The team's final challenge before the regular season kicks off? A rematch with none other than the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center in San Francisco.
After an impressive 111-97 win over LeBron James and the Lakers in Las Vegas on Tuesday, the Warriors are eager to face off once again in front of their home crowd. The win wasn't just a victory on the scoreboard—it was a statement. The Warriors displayed incredible depth, with contributions from almost every corner of the roster. Moses Moody stood out as the top scorer for Golden State, dropping 21 points on a 7-for-14 shooting night, including a red-hot five-made three-pointers. For a young player like Moody, performances like this are crucial in establishing his role on a team already filled with stars.
What’s particularly thrilling for fans is the diversity of contributions from this stacked roster. Aside from Moody’s standout game, several other players made it into double figures. Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, and newcomers like Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and Gary Payton II all contributed solidly to the win. The preseason has not only shown that the Warriors still have their powerhouse core intact but also that their bench and role players are ready to step up when needed. This depth will be crucial in a long NBA season where staying healthy and fresh often determines success.
But let's not forget the Lakers. Even in their loss, they remain a formidable opponent, with Anthony Davis leading all scorers with 24 points. LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell continue to bring a high level of talent to the floor, and there's no doubt they’ll be hungry for redemption after their defeat earlier this week. This rematch between two storied franchises—both filled with star power—feels almost like a regular-season showdown rather than just a preseason game.
Speaking of that rematch, all eyes will be on Chase Center this Friday, where the Warriors will host the Lakers at 7 p.m. PT. Not only is it an exciting game for fans, but it’s also a chance for both teams to tweak their lineups and rotations ahead of the regular season. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN 2, and for those who want to catch the action online, it’ll be available for live streaming on Fubo (and yes, you can even watch for free if you're still in your trial period).
How to Watch:
- Date: October 18, 2024
- Time: 7 p.m. PT
- Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
- TV Channel: ESPN 2
- Live Stream: Fubo (free to watch with trial)
Projected Starting Lineups:
Golden State Warriors:
- G - Stephen Curry (#30) - Davidson
- G - Andrew Wiggins (#22) - Kansas
- F - Jonathan Kuminga (#00) - G League Ignite
- F - Draymond Green (#23) - Michigan State
- C - Trayce Jackson-Davis (#32) - Indiana
Los Angeles Lakers:
- G - D'Angelo Russell (#0) - Ohio State
- G - Austin Reaves (#15) - Oklahoma
- F - Rui Hachimura (#28) - Gonzaga
- F - LeBron James (#23) - St. Vincent-St. Mary's
- F - Anthony Davis (#3) - Kentucky
This game presents a fascinating dynamic because even though it’s still the preseason, the Warriors and Lakers always seem to bring playoff intensity when they face each other. Both teams have been major competitors in the Western Conference for years now, and there's no shortage of history between them. Whether it’s the individual battles, like Curry vs. LeBron or Green vs. Davis, or the strategic chess match between coaches Steve Kerr and Darvin Ham, the excitement is palpable.
Of course, the preseason isn’t just about wins and losses—though both teams have been competitive in that regard—it’s about fine-tuning and getting ready for the grueling 82-game regular season. For the Warriors, seeing their key players perform well in this preseason, like Draymond Green recovering from injury and showing flashes of his defensive brilliance, is a major plus. Stephen Curry has also shown no signs of slowing down, and that’s great news for Dub Nation, especially with Klay Thompson still being carefully managed as he works his way back to full health.
Another key storyline is the development of the younger players. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, both first-round picks from recent drafts, are showcasing their growth and maturity on the court. Kuminga’s athleticism and defense, coupled with Moody’s shooting and poise, could provide a major boost for Golden State in the rotation. Both are playing with confidence, and the Warriors’ coaching staff will undoubtedly keep an eye on their progression during this last preseason test.
Looking ahead, this rematch gives both teams the chance to gauge each other’s readiness. The Lakers are still figuring out their lineup combinations, especially with new additions like Gabe Vincent and Taurean Prince, while the Warriors are integrating players like Chris Paul and refining their bench rotations.
For Lakers fans, Anthony Davis’s dominance in the paint and LeBron’s leadership will remain central to their success. But with rising stars like Austin Reaves continuing to make strides, the Lakers look like they have the tools to be dangerous in the West. Reaves has proven himself as a reliable player capable of creating his own shot and facilitating when needed, adding more versatility to LA’s backcourt.
In the previous preseason matchup, the Warriors’ ball movement and defensive intensity were keys to their victory, and that’s something to keep an eye on in the rematch. Will the Warriors be able to maintain their fast-paced offense and stellar three-point shooting? And can the Lakers find an answer to Golden State’s depth and versatility?
One thing’s for sure—this final preseason contest will be packed with drama, high-level basketball, and a preview of what’s to come when the regular season tips off. As both teams gear up for what they hope will be deep playoff runs, this game could be a sneak peek at a future postseason showdown.
So, whether you're a die-hard Warriors fan, a Lakers loyalist, or just someone who loves the thrill of NBA basketball, make sure you tune in on Friday night. It’s not just another preseason game—it’s a battle between two of the league's most storied franchises, and the perfect warm-up for what’s sure to be an incredible NBA season ahead!
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