Golden State Warriors @ LA Lakers Preview

<div align="center">


<font color="Blue">Warriors</font> (3-11) <font size="4">@</font> <font color="purple">Lakers</font> (9-7)

Date: Friday, December 3rd
Time: 7:30 PM
TV: FSN, NBALP

Previous Games
Wolves @ Warriors 107-99 (LOSS)
Lakers @ Bulls 92-84 (LOSS)

Projected Starting Lineups
<font color="blue">GOLDEN STATE</font>

<font size="1">(Mike Montgomery)</font>

C - <font color="blue">Cliff Robinson</font> (6.6 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.2 APG)
PF - <font color="blue">Troy Murphy</font> (15.5 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 1.6 APG)
SF - <font color="blue">Mike Dunleavy</font> (10.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.7 APG)
SG - <font color="blue">Jason Richardson</font> (18.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 3.6 APG)
PG - <font color="blue">Speedy Claxton</font> (9.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.3 APG)

<font size="4">VS</font>

<font color="indigo">LOS ANGELES</font>

<font size="1">(Rudy Tomjanovich)</font>

C - <font color="purple">Chris Mihm</font> (10.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 0.4 APG)
PF - <font color="purple">Lamar Odom</font> (13.9 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.8 APG)
SF - <font color="purple">Caron Butler</font> (13.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.5 APG)
SG - <font color="purple">Kobe Bryant</font> (27.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 6.6 APG)
PG - <font color="purple">Chucky Atkins</font> (11.3 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 3.7 APG)

Game MVPs


WARRIORS - <font color="Blue">Jason Richardson</font>
Predicted Stats: 22 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists

LAKERS - <font color="purple">Kobe Bryant</font>
Predicted Stats: 28 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists</div>

Brandon's Analysis
Three keys to this game: mentality, defense, and Chucky Atkins. The Lakers should come out fighting against the Warriors in this game, after suffering a tough loss against the Bulls on Wednesday. Los Angeles was outrebounded, outplayed and embarassed in Chicago, so this home game against Golden State should result in a win, since the aftermath of a devastating loss should keep the Lakers on their toes for at least a few games.

The Lakers are going to have to play above-average defense to win this game. You can expect Richardson and Claxton to drive the lane and try to draw a foul, so Mihm and Odom should be on their toes in the paint. If the Warriors feel the need to shoot, Los Angeles should protect the perimeter when the ball is in Dunleavy's hands...because anyone can bet that J-Rich is running around near the three, looking for a shot, but there's a good chance Dunleavy will launch a few from outside.

Chucky Atkins will have to cool down a hot Speedy Claxton, who's been on a rampage in his last two games. Atkins needs to force shots and keep him out of the paint, but stay out of foul trouble...because once again, this could be the strategy that hurts the Lakers in the long run when they play a team like the Warriors, who would much rather settle for contact under the rim than outside shots and long jumpers. Also, if Speedy plays Atkins tight on defense, expect to see some bad passing in this game, and possibly Tierre clocking in early in the game to match Claxton's speed.

In a game such as this, I'd love to see Brian Cook in more often. Cook will draw Murphy away from the hoop and hit shots, giving the Lakers an opportunity for the offensive board, and an easy two. Also, Cook has been grabbing rebounds as of late, which could really be a significant factor in this game. If Rudy would just go with a lineup of Mihm, Cook, Odom (natural position), Kobe and Atkins...it could be over by the second quarter. Odom would get more touches and the Warriors would have trouble with transitions...having a passing forward and a shooting forward running downcourt with a quick guard, well, would be tough to pick what option the Lakers choose to run.

And now we run into Derek Fisher...who will definitely be a factor late in the game, if the score is close. I really doubt Atkins could avoid body contact with Fisher, who will more than likely plant his feet before Atkins realizes it...but if the calls go our way, we can worry more about Fish's shot from the arc, and easily anticipate it. Otherwise, he'll build momentum from the Laker crowd (because you'll be hearing cheers for him) and he'll hit 3-5 threes in a row and pull the game closer.

Brandon's Prediction
Although, in a way, I'd like to see Fish play this one for more than 30 minutes...I'm hoping he doesn't. If the crowd gets him amped from the start, he can pop threes from all directions on Atkins, and we'll be down early. The Lakers can't go into this game with the mindset they had against the Bulls...because the Warriors are very capable of winning (look at the Minnesota game). I feel the Lakers won't let that happen, though, and I'll predict that we regain our composure and take this game from the Warriors, 95-81.

<font color="Red"><font size="1">(Zhone, feel free to lock the thread or whatever, if you want to use your preview instead...just thought I'd contribute a little :thumbsup: )</font></font>

 

The question's not who will win but more like how much will the Lakers win by?

 

Nice!

I think it will be a close game personally, Lakers will win in the 4th or as early as the third. Caron Butler will put Dunleavy on his butt several times. I think Vujacic might have a big game, Kobe will get annoyed by Pietrus but eventually he'll foul him out of the game and end up with 20 trips to the free throw line. I think Jrich will have a nice game tomorrow and Dunleavy could be effective for some minutes if he gets fired up. Pietrus will be an animal tomorrow in very few minutes but will pick up tons of fouls. Murph will have a good game too during some minutes but I think he could be in foul trouble too. But my hunch says that Lakers will win it when Kobe and sets up his team and start scoring from everywhere. I think the way the ref calls the game will be important because the warriors struggle when they are over the limit and outmatched athletically.

 

You wouldn't happen to know if Cliff is starting again at center, would you?

EDIT: By the way, Vujacic is on the IR, so he won't be playing.

Neither will Brian Grant and Devean George. :thumbsdow

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting realdealbneal:</div><div class="quote_post">You wouldn't happen to know if Cliff is starting again at center, would you?</div>
He probably will. He'll be used against Chris Mihm or Odom or somebody. But you may never know. Foyle might be inserted to provide some shotblocking presence.

 

I just hope Fisher doesn't go off. I guess the Lakers are going to honor him before the game, with a video and a framed jersey. :thumbsup: He's been a Laker for 8 years and hasn't cried about much or dissed our organization, so he's well-deserving of it.

 

I Foresee as this Warriors game being a close game.The Lakers will struggle early with the Warriors,but the Lakers at the last minute will come through and get the win.

Lakers 94 Warriors 91

 

This game came too soon, hopefully we can draw some momentum from the first three quarters of last game and give them a good run. I say if we show some confidence in the first half then we have a legitimate chance to steal one.

PG: Speedy needs to abuse Atkins. Fisher doesn't matchup favorably, but maybe in the Staples Center his shooting touch will come back.

SG: Look for Pietrus to reach his season high for minutes, matching up with Kobe for a significant amount of the game. Hopefully he can continue to play more intelligently and will stay out of foul trouble. I expect to see a lot of Richardson at SF this game unless he shows defensive spark in the first 5 minutes (doubtful).

SF: Looking at the matchups, I seriously doubt Dunleavy will be able to break out of his slump in this game. Cheaney needs quality minutes here.

PF: When/if Odom matches up with Murphy, Murphy will stuggle defensively, but Murph will also be able to pull Odom away from the glass at the other end. Brian Cook will get some open looks which will hurt us, but Murphy can light him up. Robinson can easily guard either one of these guys, but until he starts scoring more regularly, he is not much of a factor in the game. I'd like to see Najera actually play this game, I miss his rebounding.

C: We have no excuse to allow big games from either Mihm or Brian Grant. That aside, I wouldn't put it past us to allow one them to do it.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting GSWScruff:</div><div class="quote_post">This game came too soon, hopefully we can draw some momentum from the first three quarters of last game and give them a good run. I say if we show some confidence in the first half then we have a legitimate chance to steal one.

PG: Speedy needs to abuse Atkins. Fisher doesn't matchup favorably, but maybe in the Staples Center his shooting touch will come back.

SG: Look for Pietrus to reach his season high for minutes, matching up with Kobe for a significant amount of the game. Hopefully he can continue to play more intelligently and will stay out of foul trouble. I expect to see a lot of Richardson at SF this game unless he shows defensive spark in the first 5 minutes (doubtful).

SF: Looking at the matchups, I seriously doubt Dunleavy will be able to break out of his slump in this game. Cheaney needs quality minutes here.

PF: When/if Odom matches up with Murphy, Murphy will stuggle defensively, but Murph will also be able to pull Odom away from the glass at the other end. Brian Cook will get some open looks which will hurt us, but Murphy can light him up. Robinson can easily guard either one of these guys, but until he starts scoring more regularly, he is not much of a factor in the game. I'd like to see Najera actually play this game, I miss his rebounding.

C: We have no excuse to allow big games from either Mihm or Brian Grant. That aside, I wouldn't put it past us to allow one them to do it.</div>




Unfortunately, Pietrus will probably get into foul trouble guarding Kobe, as Kobe does his patented whine screaming "hey" everytime he goes to the hole....he learned this from MAgic apparently as MAgic yelled something everytime he went through the lane as well...the difference here is Magic was respected and did not overdue it. Kobe whines for calls down the lane every time he goes through the lane, and sadly, his yell must influence calls because he can go untouched and get a call. Pietrus better keep his hands inside the car for this ride, as Kobe will whine his way to getting MP in foul trouble. I say we bring back the Jordon Rules and put Kobe on his ass everytime he drives the lane... designate Dale to crop him upside the head and lay him down and out. ANd If he gives one scream of his "HEy!" HAve Dunleavy undercut the guy, oh wait dunleavy runs away from contact. NEver Mind. Go Warriors. I know we can cover the spread!!!!!

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting boogielew:</div><div class="quote_post"> Pietrus better keep his hands inside the car for this ride, as Kobe will whine his way to getting MP in foul trouble. I say we bring back the Jordon Rules and put Kobe on his ass everytime he drives the lane... designate Dale to crop him upside the head and lay him down and out. </div>

Hahaha, I love it. Double D is the man. When most of our players get agitated they slap at the ball and yell at the ref. Not DD though, he just straight up punches the player that's pissing him off.

If Mickael picks up some early ticky-tack fouls, I would be all for him letting Kobe slip past him to a DD who is sitting in the lane, waiting to clear his clock. After a couple of those, Dale would be suspended for awhile, but I would feel really good inside.

Man, I hate the Lakers.

 

Nice preview. I don't have too much to add, although I think that the score will definitely be higher for both sides. The Warriors always tend to step up the offense when they face the Lakers, even if their team composition is different.

 

What's so good about someone hitting another player to the point where he's suspended?

 

When that player is a rapist! (allegedly) An Adulterer (fact) and a Whining Cry-Baby (fact) there is absolutely nothing wrong with hitting him til your suspended, in fact i think the league should encourage it. A League without Mike Tyson, I mean SCrubby Bryant is a much improved league. I wish Buddy Ryan coached hoops and put a bounty on his head like he did in his EAgles days. Where is Kermit Washington when you need him? The funny thing is these so-called Laker fans probably never even heard of him.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting boogielew:</div><div class="quote_post">When that player is a rapist! (allegedly) An Adulterer (fact) and a Whining Cry-Baby (fact) there is absolutely nothing wrong with hitting him til your suspended, in fact i think the league should encourage it. A League without Mike Tyson, I mean SCrubby Bryant is a much improved league. I wish Buddy Ryan coached hoops and put a bounty on his head like he did in his EAgles days. Where is Kermit Washington when you need him? The funny thing is these so-called Laker fans probably never even heard of him.</div>
Kermit Washington ruined his career for what he did. This "so-called" Laker fan knows all about it.

You're so angry at Kobe. What has he done to make you so irate?

Anyways, I'm sure this will be a good game. The Warriors didn't do so bad against Minnesota, and I think they're determined to win again...and with the Lakers coming off a loss to the Bulls, they're gonna come out firing.

Wish I could watch it. :thumbsdow

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting realdealbneal:</div><div class="quote_post">What's so good about someone hitting another player to the point where he's suspended? </div>

It was a joke. I don't actually want to see any players get injured. However, I would probably laugh if Bryant did get knocked to the floor a couple of times, for reasons similar to what boogielew mentioned.

 

this is going to be a game decided by J-Rich, Pietrus(because he is an excellent defender and might be able to cool down Kobe) and Troy Murphy. If the Warriors play like they did against Minnesota, they can do very well and keep it close throughout the game. And remember, the Warriors always do well against LA.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting GSWScruff:</div><div class="quote_post">It was a joke. I don't actually want to see any players get injured. However, I would probably laugh if Bryant did get knocked to the floor a couple of times, for reasons similar to what boogielew mentioned.</div>
Well in that case, I'm always going to hope that someone beats down Artest, Jackson, Jermaine, Rodman, and...hey...even Michael Jordan for his issues with other women.

No matter what, it wouldn't be a good thing to see it happen...because there are 12-15 guys from each team that wouldn't be happy with the outcome of it.

The Warriors have more class than that (as far as I know).

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting realdealbneal:</div><div class="quote_post">Kermit Washington ruined his career for what he did. This "so-called" Laker fan knows all about it.

You're so angry at Kobe. What has he done to make you so irate?

Anyways, I'm sure this will be a good game. The Warriors didn't do so bad against Minnesota, and I think they're determined to win again...and with the Lakers coming off a loss to the Bulls, they're gonna come out firing.

Wish I could watch it. :thumbsdow</div>


i think covered it in my first sentence of what makes me irate about him. He is a rapist (allegedly) an adulterer (fact) and whining cry-baby (fact). What else do you need to know about what makes me irate about this guy. He is scum. IF he wasnt playing on the Lakers you would probably hate the guy too. I can't imagine you have scumbags like this guy in your circle of friends.

 

kids hear about these things. rape cases like Kobe's, steroids, the NBA crowd brawl. thats waht really makes me mad about kobe and what he has done to the US

 

Wow...a simple preview in the Warriors thread, and it turns into a "Kobe vs. the World" thread.

What Kobe has done to the US? Haha...come on.

There are over 360 players in the league, just off the top of my head. You can't sit here and say that out of those 360+ players that make millions a year and are away from their families, only Kobe makes bad decisions. Give me a break.

Back to topic, please. If I wanted to discuss this, I'd make a thread about it.