Glitz, Glamour, and Royalty are the words to describe a meeting of the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals. It is a matchup of the dynasty of the past and present. It is a matchup of Hollywood versus Silicon Valley. NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, could not have scripted a more captivating series in the playoffs than these two teams, and the ratings will be astronomical. It is not just a dream matchup for the commissioner, Klay Thompson could contain his excitement in stating, “It’s a dream come true, I’ve waited for this for 12 years”. Klay is ready to lace up those sneakers, and we are ready to present our preview for the battle for California.
1. The Battle of the Mega-superstars
Steph Curry and Lebron James are the headliners for this series, and these two players have plenty of history going head-to-head since entering the league. The two mega superstars have met 43 times with Stephen winning 25 games, and includes 15 of 22 in the playoffs. The playoff matchups spanned 4 NBA Finals, and Curry triumphed in 3 of the four series. However, Lebron outperformed his counterpart statistically in those matchups averaging 30.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists compared to 24.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists by the man known as the baby face assassin. If the Warriors are to win this series, Steph will have to outplay Lebron because the Warriors are more reliant on his production than ever before. Steph enters this series on a tremendous high after delivering a virtuoso performance in Game 7 against the Kings. In the process, Curry made history by becoming the first player to score 50 points in a Game 7 in NBA history. In their first-round series against the Grizzlies, Lebron averaged 22.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, However, we can expect King James to take his game to another level based on suggestions from many that Curry could surpass him as the best player of this era. If we put a spin on the words from Curry himself, these two players have a lot to accomplish, but they have nothing to prove.
2. Anthony Davis vs Kevon Looney/Draymond Green
The Lakers have to get the best version of Anthony Davis to win this series. Davis’ scoring was up and down in round 1 averaging 20.8 points from the field against the Grizzlies, but he did anchor the defense with 13.7 rebounds and more than four blocks per game. Davis is a matchup nightmare because of his size, versatility, and athleticism, and he will be a handful for the Warriors’ big men. The likely defender Davis will face is Kevon Looney. Looney is one of the most resilient big men in the league despite being undersized at 6’9”. Looney is credited in the Kings series for outplaying Domantas Sabonis. Looney is a good defender and snagged 15.1 rebounds per game in the series. Draymond Green is considered the heart and soul of this, and in Looney’s absence will be tasked with guarding AD. Davis will have to dominate either matchup if the Lakers are to prevail in this series.
3. X-Factors-Austin Reaves vs Jordan Poole: Reaves has been one of the diamonds out of the rough after signing with the Lakers as an undrafted player. Austin has been praised around the league for his effort and playmaking skills Reaves showcased his talent in Game 1 of Round 1 by scoring 23 including a stretch of 9 points in the fourth to put away the Grizzlies. Jordan Poole is the ultimate wild card because you have no idea what he will do on the court. At times, he has been spectacular with an instant offense mentality. Poole can detonate at any moment offensively but was inconsistent during the series against the Kings. If he can somehow find some form, then he could single-handedly give the Warriors a decisive advantage.
4. Head-to-Head: The two California-based teams have met 434 times in the NBA, with the Lakers winning 61% percent or 261 games. The two franchises have met seven times in the playoffs, and the Lakers have the bragging rights with a 6-1 record. The last time the teams met was coincidentally during the Western Conference Semifinals in 1991 when the Lakers won in 5 games. The players that headlined that matchup included Magic Johnson, James Worth, and Byron Scott, while the Warriors were led by Tim Hardaway Sr, Chris Mullin, and Mitch Richmond. Yes, that is a long time ago! In this past regular season, the Lakers held the edge with a 3-1 record and won the last three contests. However, the Warriors were missing an important piece in Andrew Wiggins for all three games, so it’s hard-to-place confidence in those results.
5. Prediction-I think this will be a series for the ages. It will be an interesting matchup of style because it will come to the Lakers’ defense versus the Warriors’ offense. I think the Warriors will have a slight edge in continuity and experience versus a roster with Lebron and Davis being the only players who have played an intense series in the playoffs at this level. Steve Kerr also has the advantage over Darvin Ham in making the right adjustments in the playoffs. In the end, Steph Curry will be too good for the Lakers in the Chase Center for a wild Game 7.
The Warriors win in 7 games.