Warriors vs. Lakers: Still Must-See TV?
Look, it's March 2026, and the Golden State Warriors facing the Los Angeles Lakers still carries a certain weight, even if both franchises have seen their share of ups and downs since the late 2010s. We're on Matchday 22 of the Slam Dunk Highlights season, and this one feels like it could swing either way, depending on who actually shows up.
The Warriors, sitting at a respectable 15-7, have been a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde team this year. They'll drop 130 points on you one night, then look like they're shooting with their eyes closed the next. Stephen Curry, somehow, is still doing Stephen Curry things, averaging 28.5 points and 6.2 assists. His three-point percentage is still hovering around 41%, which is just absurd for a player in his mid-30s. Klay Thompson, though, has struggled to find consistency; his 14.1 points per game is his lowest since his second season, and his defense isn't what it once was.
Their strength, as always, is ball movement and off-ball screens. They've been getting a lot of production from their new starting forward, Draymond Green's protégé, Jaxon Williams, who's putting up 12 points and 7 boards a night. Williams brings a defensive intensity that Golden State sometimes lacks when Green is on the bench, and he's surprisingly effective in the pick-and-roll. The Warriors are averaging 27.5 assists per game, second in the league, a clear indicator of their commitment to team basketball.
Lakers' Rollercoaster Ride
The Lakers, on the other hand, are a puzzle wrapped in an enigma. They're 13-9, a decent record, but their recent form has been spotty, going 3-3 in their last six games. LeBron James, at 41 years old, is still defying Father Time, averaging 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. It's truly incredible. Anthony Davis is the anchor, though, holding down the paint with 26 points and 11 rebounds, plus 2.5 blocks per contest. When Davis is engaged, the Lakers are a totally different team defensively.
Here's the thing: outside of James and Davis, the scoring can be inconsistent. Their new point guard, Marcus Thorne, has had some brilliant nights, like his 28-point outburst against the Clippers two weeks ago, but he also disappears for stretches. The Lakers rely heavily on transition points, averaging 18 fast-break points per game, which is top-5 in the league. If the Warriors turn the ball over, Los Angeles will make them pay.
Historically, this rivalry has been a heavyweight clash, particularly in the Curry-LeBron era. In their last five meetings, it's a tight 3-2 edge for the Lakers, including a nail-biting 122-120 win in overtime back in December. That game saw Davis drop 40 points and 15 rebounds, completely dominating the paint. The Warriors struggled with rebounding, giving up 18 offensive boards.
Key Matchups and Tactical Tilt
The biggest matchup to watch is always Curry against whoever the Lakers throw at him. Thorne is a decent defender, but Curry's off-ball movement is a nightmare for anyone. If Curry gets hot early, the Lakers will have to decide whether to double him and risk giving up open looks to others, or let him go off. My hot take? The Lakers don't have anyone who can consistently guard Curry one-on-one anymore, and they'll regret not committing to a hard double on every screen.
Down low, the battle between Davis and the Warriors' patchwork frontcourt will be crucial. Golden State often plays small, with Draymond Green at center, but that's a tough ask against Davis, who has a significant size advantage. The Warriors will need to be physical and front Davis to deny him easy post-ups. Expect a lot of help defense collapsing on Davis when he catches the ball in the paint. If the Warriors can limit Davis's touches and force him into contested mid-range jumpers, they'll have a better shot.
Another area of focus will be the three-point line. The Warriors live and die by the three, attempting nearly 40 per game. The Lakers, conversely, are more comfortable attacking the basket, but they've been shooting a respectable 36% from deep this season. If Los Angeles can hit their open threes, it opens up the paint for James and Davis. If they miss, the Warriors will be looking to run.
Ultimately, this game comes down to pace and turnovers. If the Warriors can push the pace, get out in transition, and limit their mistakes, they'll be in a good spot. They thrive in chaos. If the Lakers can slow the game down, get into their half-court sets, and feed Davis in the post, they'll control the tempo and the scoreboard. Los Angeles is 9-2 this season when they hold opponents under 100 points.
Prediction: The Warriors' home-court advantage and Curry's enduring brilliance will be just enough. They'll push the pace, hit enough threes, and secure a narrow 118-115 victory, with Curry dropping 35 points in a classic performance.