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Preview: Warriors at Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are challenging the credo that it takes star power to win in the NBA. Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard rank among the top scorers in the league, but Los Angeles has the worst record in the Western Conference heading into Friday’s home game with Golden State. In fact, the Lakers’ 1-4 start is the worst for the franchise since 1993 – back when Bryant was still in high school and Howard was just seven years old.
The Warriors moved into a share of first place in the Pacific Division after Wednesday’s 106-96 win over Cleveland. Coach Mark Jackson described Golden State’s offense against the Cavaliers as “a thing of beauty” after his team shot 53.8 percent and dished 28 assists. Success, however, comes down to rebounding. Golden State is undefeated this season when winning the battle of the boards. That won’t be easy against the Lakers, who lead the NBA in rebounding margin (plus-9.6).
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Bay Area (Golden State), TWC Sportsnet (Los Angeles).
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (3-2): Golden State received a setback Thursday when it was announced that center Andrew Bogut will be shut down for seven to 10 days to expedite the healing in his surgically repaired ankle. Bogut had been limited to 20 minutes a night and prohibited from playing in back-to-back games. The 7-footer went scoreless against Cleveland but facilitated matters on both ends of the court, totaling five assists, two rebounds, a steal and a block in 17 minutes.
ABOUT THE LAKERS (1-4): Los Angeles appeared to upgrade at point guard by signing Steve Nash this offseason. However, the two-time MVP is sidelined with a non-displaced fracture to his left fibula. Nash is being evaluated daily but replacement starter Steve Blake is struggling. Blake had six points on 2-of-10 shooting and one assist in Wednesday’s 95-86 loss at Utah, and the Lakers are averaging 18.6 turnovers after coughing it up 19 times against the Jazz.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Golden State has lost its past nine games against the Lakers in Los Angeles, and the Lakers are 24-2 all-time against the Warriors at Staples Center.
2. The Lakers shot 33.8 percent from the floor against Utah, their lowest field-goal percentage in 258 games.
3. No team has ever won an NBA title after starting the season with a 1-4 record or worse.
PREDICTION: Warriors 99, Lakers 94
