Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Prediction & Picks - NBA

Prediction published on 1/25/25, 1:18 AM  by Erik Gibbs | Modified on 1/25/25 at 1:28 AM in NBA Picks

The Golden State Warriors (22-22) will host the Los Angeles Lakers (24-18) in a pivotal regular-season matchup at Chase Center today. This contest brings together two teams with very different trajectories in the Western Conference standings. The Warriors are struggling in 11th place, while the Lakers hold a stronger position, sitting fifth in the West. The Warriors come into this game on the heels of an impressive 25-point win over the Chicago Bulls, in which they hit a remarkable 25 three-pointers. While this victory ended a two-game skid, it doesn’t erase the deeper issues the team has faced this season. After starting the year with a stellar 12-3 record, Golden State has stumbled to a 10-19 mark in their last 29 games. A significant issue for the Warriors has been finding consistent production outside of Stephen Curry. He has seen a slight dip in his typically outstanding performance, while injuries to Draymond Green have weakened their defensive capabilities. Additionally, Buddy Hield’s inconsistent play has left a gap in the backcourt, adding to the team’s struggles. The Lakers, on the other hand, are entering this contest with momentum after a dominant 21-point victory, fueled by Anthony Davis's 24 points. They’ve won four of their last five games, though many of their victories have come against underperforming opponents. Still, the Lakers boast one of the league’s most formidable duos in LeBron James and Davis. Austin Reaves has also been a significant contributor on the offensive end. However, defensive inconsistencies remain a concern for Los Angeles. The addition of players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Dorian Finney-Smith has provided some defensive stability, but the team lacks a strong interior presence. Adding a center could address this weakness, especially against elite opponents.