For the second time in a week, the Lakers will play consecutive games against the same team in back to back nights. This time, they close their preseason schedule with a game against the Warriors. And since we just did this last night and the Lakers won the game with relative ease, I’m going to keep this short with only one point to truly stress about tonight’s game. Please, oh please let this game end cleanly and without injury or any other issue for either team. Last night Steph Curry went down with a minor ankle sprain and the Lakers are already dealing with their fair share of injury issues. The real season starts on Tuesday and if everyone can escape unscathed, this game will be a success regardless of what the scoreboard says.
But, I feel like I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t talk about the game at least briefly. So, tonight Kobe Bryant will not only suit up, but he’ll play as well. I’m interested in seeing how many minutes he plays and how serious he takes the game, but the fans of Ontario should be happy that #24 in the home gold will suit up. On the other side of the floor, Steph Curry (he of the aforementioned rolled ankle) will likely not be in the lineup. He’s listed as day to day and, considering what’s at stake tonight (read: nothing) I doubt the young man suits up.
As for the rest of the Lakers, I hope to see more extended run for the bench guys. In the last two games they’ve played well and I’d like to see that continue tonight. I’m especially interested in whether or not Derrick Caracter gets into the game as he’s been on the shelf with back spasms the last few contests. If there’s one guy that could use some court action, it’s him so hopefully he gets in the game. With the Warriors, well…I really like their jerseys. And get Steph Curry healthy soon.
So enjoy the game tonight but rather than wish for a win, wish for good health. For both teams. There have been a fair amount of injuries this preseason and with a sure to be epic regular season approaching, no one enjoys seeing guys hurt or team’s chances being thrown off buy injuries. Our wait is almost over. Tuesday can’t get here soon enough.
Where you can watch: 7pm start time locally on KCAL and nationally on ESPN. Also listen live on ESPN Radio 710am.
chris h says
warrren!
VoR says
Chris, don’t mess with the mojo. Lakers may need it later in the season. 🙂
James says
where is lamar?
Darius Soriano says
James,
Lamar is sitting out with after being elbowed in the nose last night, plus he has a strained thumb and a sore back. I think the Lakers are just giving him a day off as LO says he’ll be ready for the opener on Tuesday.
Zephid says
Darius, opening day live chat?
Darius Soriano says
Zephid,
That may just have to happen. Still deciding.
James says
kobe still nowhere near 100%
Zephid says
Steve Blake does everything that Jordan Farmar didn’t. He makes great passes, runs the offense, makes threes, and is an underrated team defender. Count me super-impressed.
Darius Soriano says
James,
He definitely doesn’t look like himself out there. But, to be fair, many have said that it will probably be mid-November before he’s back to being close to all the way healthy.
Mark says
Is it me or the shots that the Lakers take are good but are rimming out?
Mark says
In other news, Corey Magette scored 17 points on just 2 shots (making none).
Darius Soriano says
#10. It’s not just you. Lakers are playing well, but kind of just going through the motions. Also, they’re hurting on the glass without LO playing tonight. Also, Monta Ellis is making up for lost minutes from last night by going wild in the first half.
Darius Soriano says
If you want to chat about the game during the 4th quarter come by to the Daily Dime Live chat over at ESPN. I’m there right now. http://es.pn/cKwJKL
Simonoid says
Wait, what happened to Odom? Did he and Vujacic elbow each other?
Darius Soriano says
Not only did the Lakers escape injury free, but they came back and won with a good stretch from the bench to do so. A great night. I’ll have a recap up in the morning.
Rich says
That had to be the most entertaining preseason game I’ve ever watched lol. Little disturbed about how easily the Warriors were getting easy buckets in the paint but it is preseason. Very surprised Shaw put the starters back in when the bench was playing so well…sure we won but didn’t see that coming as that was good experience for Ebanks and Caracter.
chearn says
I am so excited about the continued growth of our two rookies, Caracter and Ebanks that I can hardly contain myself! LOL! When is the last time that the Lakers drafted two players that one, not only wanted the team to retain but one could envision in the starting lineup in the future.
For me, it hasn’t been this exciting since a couple of rookies by the name of Bryant and Fisher!
Darius Soriano says
#14. Simonoid,
Odom sat out due to a strained thumb and a sore back. He also had a sore nose from being elbowed by Gadzurich in Thursday’s game. But, he assured everyone that he’ll be ready for Tuesday. Personally, I think they just wanted to give him a day off.