Free Pick Breakdown & Prediction: Lakers vs. Warriors (10/18/2022) - Taking Vegas

Free Pick Breakdown & Prediction: Lakers vs. Warriors (10/18/2022)

By TakingVegas Staff Writer
October 18, 2022
Photo by: NBC Sports

Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Golden State Warriors Preview and Prediction

The NBA season starts this week, and it will be starting with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors facing off. The Lakers will be looking to put together a bounce back season, and the Warriors will try to keep being one of the best teams in the league.

Los Angeles Will be Looking to Get Off to a Good Start

Last year, the Los Angeles Lakers were one of the most difficult teams to watch, and it’s tough to tell if they will perform at another low level.

The Lakers have some good talent on their roster, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But, LA still doesn’t know what to do with Russell Westbrook. Last year, he was one of the biggest contributors for LA’s poor play.

One of LA’s biggest problems in this game will just be trying to play defense. This Warriors team has a great offense led by Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, and LA could have a very difficult time keeping up with them.

This Lakers team could put up a very good fight against the Warriors, but a lot of things have to go right for that to happen.

Golden State Will be a Powerhouse This Season

The reigning NBA champions should once again be a very good team. But, they did lose some key players this off-season.

With so much money invested into Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the Warriors had to let some players go. Some of those players include Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr, and Nemanja Bjelica.

This season, the Warriors should finally be getting a good look at James Wiseman. He was out all year last season, and then Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga became key contributors.

If James Wiseman can stay healthy this season, then the Warriors may have finally found their starting center for the future, and he can make it even more difficult for teams like the Lakers to guard Golden State.

Golden State Should Get the Win in Game One

On paper, the Warriors are one of the best teams in the league. The amount of advantages that they should have over the Lakers should propel them to a victory. LA has not yet shown any signs of possibly having a better season than last year.

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