Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers Odds, Predictions, Picks

• The Los Angeles Lakers look to start their season off strong after a massive roster overhaul.
• The Golden State Warriors want to bounce back after a disappointing 2021 campaign.
• The Lakers open as -170 favorites over the Warriors.

Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers Odds

Odds provided by Caesars Sportsbook.

The Golden State Warriors are going to come out of the gates firing. However, they still have the tall task of an incredible Lakers roster. Los Angeles will be out to prove themselves, expect a high-scoring game.

Picks:

Los Angeles Lakers def. Golden State Warriors (-170)

Over 228.5 (-110)

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Head-to-Head: Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers

GSW: Create Easy Opportunities

The Golden State Warriors got through last season due to the tremendous individual efforts of Stephen Curry. However going into this season, they need a more balanced effort to make noise in the West.

The addition of Otto Porter to their frontcourt is a move to preserve the productivity of Golden State’s biggest stars. They’ll also need an offensive jump from Andrew Wiggins to spell Curry.

We’re not saying you should be underestimating Curry’s ability on scoring props, just that the Warriors will look to a more egalitarian level of production.

Warriors Key Player: (G) Stephen Curry

Ok. Here’s two minutes of Steph Curry cooking Anthony Davis. https://t.co/nj8Pm0nxn5 pic.twitter.com/EA8Dn6UIvh

— SLAM STUDIOS ? (@SlamStudios) October 16, 2021

The Golden State Warriors aren’t at full strength yet. Until then, they’ll still be looking to rely on generational talent, point guard Stephen Curry.

Despite a down year by the Warriors’ standards, Curry is coming off of his best ever scoring season. He averaged 32.0 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game in 2021-2022.

He is still the offensive focal point, especially with Thompson, Wiseman, and Kuminga not expected to be available for a while. With his scoring ability, Curry’s performance will determine the Warriors ability to win.

LAL: Work As A Unit

The Los Angeles Laker struggled last season due to injuries and a lack of synergy on their team. On paper, you’d be hard-pressed to see a ball-sharing unit led by Russell Westbrook. But with LeBron James at the helm, anything is possible.

The key for the Lakers will be their ability to space the floor for Anthony Davis. They have some try centers in DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard who clog the paint when he is in, so players like Rondo and Westbrook who aren’t famed for their shooting need to show growth.

The ball movement on the break shouldn’t be an issue. However in an offensive battle against the Warriors, the Lakers need to be able to convert from all areas.

Lakers Key Player: (F) LeBron James

HIGHLIGHTS: Five treys fall for @KingJames, who drops 29 points and a dozen assists. pic.twitter.com/8kaWEZs86k

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 11, 2020

Now in his eighteenth NBA season, LeBron James has been a staple for three separate decades of play. He doesn’t look like he intends to slow down either, now running with one of his most talented rosters.

LeBron James’ priority will always be playmaking. While he led the Lakers in scoring last season, it was out of necessity more than it was interest. After averaging 25 points, 7.8 assists, and 7.7 rebounds in 2021, James will probably tone down the scoring to keep his star cast involved.

The living NBA legend is sure to stuff the stat sheet this season. How he can involve his teammates so everyone has an opportunity to shine will determine the Lakers’ chances this season.

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