Here is what you need to know before the Lakers take on the defending-champion Golden State Warriors.
1) The Lakers will need to take down the champs in order to string together their first four-game winning streak since April 2013. Defense has been the key to Los Angeles’ current run, as they are holding opponents to the second-worst field goal percentage (38.7) and collecting the most rebounds (52.0) during this span.
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2) Larry Nance Jr. has also been a big catalyst for L.A.’s recent success. Over the last five games, he is averaging a double-double (11.6 points, 10.4 rebounds) and is now the rookie season leader in field goal percentage (54.8).
3) The Lakers could be without two of their most notable players, as Kobe Bryant (sore right shoulder) and D’Angelo Russell (sore throat) are both listed as questionable. Bryant leads the team in scoring (17.2), while both players are tied for tops in assists (3.4).
4) The Warriors’ offense is churning at a historic level, as they are scoring the most points (113.9) of any team in the last 23 years. Golden State is also hitting 12.6 3-pointers per contest, which would shatter the NBA record set by Houston last year (11.4).
5) However, last time these teams met it was the Warriors’ defense that shined brightest, as the Lakers scored a season-low 77 points, while going just 3-of-21 from 3-point range.
6) When that defense shows up, Golden State has been practically unbeatable. Since the beginning of last season it is 53-0 when holding opponents below the 100-point threshold.
7) Continuing to add to his young legacy, Stephen Curry is the clear frontrunner to repeat as Most Valuable Player. He is on pace to break his own league record with 4.6 3’s per game. Plus, Curry leads all players in scoring (29.7) by increasing his points per game by 5.9, which is on track for the biggest jump by an MVP.
8) On any other team, Draymond Green would have a legitimate argument as his squad’s best player. The 25-year-old has been outstanding on both ends of the floor, especially lately, as he is seeking to join Russell Westbrook, who last season became the first player with four straight triple-doubles since Michael Jordan’s seven consecutive in 1989. Green is averaging 17.3 points, 14.3 rebounds and 13.3 assists during his run.
9) For as great as Curry and Green have been, Klay Thompson might just be the hottest Warrior as of late. Over his last three contests, he is averaging 31.3 points on 49.4 percent shooting (38-of-77).
10) When Curry played just 14 minutes in three games while hobbled by a shin contusion from Dec. 30-Jan. 2, Ian Clark — an undrafted third-year player from Belmont University — took charge. During that stretch, the backup shooting guard hit 65.5 percent from the field and scored 16.0 points per contest.
