Lakers vs. Warriors Preview and Game Thread: Can the Lakers beat their division rival?

The Lakers and Warriors will face each other for the first time since both teams made dramatic moves during the trade deadline.

On Thursday, the Lakers look to win their third straight game as they take on their Pacific Division rivals, the Golden State Warriors.

This is another important game for the purple and gold, who can increase their chances of winning the division with a victory.

L.A. last won the Pacific Division in 2020, which is also the last time they won the NBA championship.

The Lakers also have the tiebreaker against the Warriors, who are in fifth place in the Western Conference standings.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors

When: 7 PDT, Apr 3

Where: Crypto.com Arena

Watch: TNT

The Lakers and the rejuvenated Warriors will meet for the first time since the trade deadline, when both teams made significant and dramatic roster changes.

Golden State enters this one as winners of seven of their last 10. They’re 19-5 since trading for Jimmy Butler and 18-2 when their new All-Star forward plays alongside Stephen Curry.

This is clearly not the Warriors team that the Lakers have defeated thrice this season.

The same goes for the Lakers, who will be playing the Dubs for the first time with an active Luka Dončić. With new faces involved and some old ones out of the mix, one has to wonder: How has this matchup changed?

There’s no denying that Anthony Davis was the Lakers’ best weapon against these Warriors, so it’s going to be interesting to see how much of AD’s absence and Luka’s presence now plays a factor.

It’s safe to assume that Golden State is now more capable of defending the Lakers, especially since they currently have the seventh-best defense in the league and fourth-best during clutch time.

Now, they have Butler and Draymond Green to throw at Los Angeles’ best players, so this game will require another team effort from the purple and gold.

Hopefully, Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent carry over their superb performance from last Monday’s victory, while the likes of Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes and Dalton Knecht all join the party.

On the other side of the ball, it will be interesting to see who is responsible for containing Steph Curry, especially since his team is much more dangerous now.

In the past, it was Max Christie who took that responsibility, but with the young guard now out of the mix, someone has to step up.

Can Jordan Goodwin do it? Will it be Jarred Vanderbilt? Or will JJ Redick stick to his backcourt of Austin Reaves and Luka to prioritize offense?

The role players will impact this game, but the stars will likely be the ones to watch.

Which one will shine brightest in Los Angeles on Thursday night? Will it be Curry who is coming off a sensational 52-point performance? Is this a chance for Dončić to introduce himself as part of this rivalry?

Maybe Austin Reaves, who hit the game-winner against the Warriors on Christmas Day, will step up again.

Whoever it may be, we’re certainly in for a heck of a game. Hopefully, the Lakers can come out victorious in this one because not only will they retain sole possession of the third seed, but also sweep the season series against the Warriors.

It’s also time to send a message that these Warriors don’t want to see the Lakers come playoff time. Let’s see if the Lakers can accomplish just that on Thursday.

Notes and Updates

• For the Lakers’ injury report, LeBron James (left groin strain) is probable while Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery recovery) is out.
• As for the Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga (right pelvic contusion) is questionable, while Gary Payton II (left thumb ligament partial tear) is out.
• We will be live on Playback for this game, so be sure to join us!

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.