The Golden State Warriors, which featured Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and other key players, were one of the last teams the Lakers faced throughout the preseason.
Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell combined for 30 points in the first half of a 125-108 loss without LeBron James and Austin Reaves due to precautions.
Both teams used their starting lineups in the first half before giving the second half to their backups.
The Lakers were largely inconsistent even with their core rotation players on the field. Davis attacked Warriors center Kevon Looney in the post and at the rim, just like in the playoffs, before stepping back and making two three-pointers. In less than 13 minutes, Davis finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds.
Coach Darvin Ham encouraged Davis to play offensively freely before the game, expecting him to shoot more aggressively from deep if the opportunity arose.
Russell attacked the Golden State defense as well, showcasing his ability to score from close range, mid-range, and beyond the arc.
However, without James and Reaves, two of the Lakers’ key playmakers, the team’s offensive possession rate was simply too high for any prolonged rhythm to develop.
Thompson had 10 points, Curry had 8, and new point guard Chris Paul had 6 points and 5 assists for the Warriors.
For the Lakers, Max Christie scored 15 points, including 13 in the second half, while Rui Hachimura added 12. Christian Wood and Gabe Vincent, two newcomers, scored seven and five points, respectively.
Lakers forward Cam Reddish had to leave the game in the fourth quarter due to a sprained right ankle.
Reaves was mentored by Golden State coach Steve Kerr this summer at the FIBA World Cup with Team USA. Kerr continued to laud Reaves before to the contest.
Reaves is anticipated to play against Brooklyn on Monday in Las Vegas. This week, James declared that he will take part in half of the Lakers’ six exhibition games.
