OKC Thunder part of NBA Christmas Day: full five game primer

Lakers (19-14) vs. Warriors (23-11), 8:00 PM on ABC (and ESPN):

It could be argued the parity in the league this season came about specifically when LeBron James headed West and signed with the Lakers.

LeBron’s youngsters have performed (in my humble opinion) above expectations and I’m still not sure how valid the results are. As I noted in the week 9 power rankings the Lakers haven’t played many of the big guns. And of the ones they have, there aren’t many statement tpe wins on the board.

"Of the East’s top 5 teams the Lakers have yet to face the Bucks, 76ers or Celtics.  Toronto beat them at Staples easily and without Kawhi Leonard. Indiana was the only top East squad LA  defeated.  And that was without Victor Oladipo at Staples with the Pacers on a Western road trip playing their third game in four nights.  In addition, they lost to the Magic twice, Nets and Wizards. Of the top Western seeds, they’ve yet to play the Warriors or Thunder (or the Clippers). They did get a victory at home versus the Nuggets but then got blown out in Denver 85-117.  As for the other current seeded Western teams they’ve played, the Lakers are up 2-1 on Portland, lost both games to the Rockets and beat both the Grizzlies and Kings in the lone times they’ve met."

Mid January things heat up on the Lakers schedule which will be a telling period. The other issue for LA today is both big men Tyson Chandler (back spasms) and JaVale McGee are dealing with injury which is likely the reason behind their recent 2-4 record.

Still, we’re talking LeBron James under the brightest spotlight of the marquee Christmas games. So, yeah, expect a big performance.

As for the Warriors, the core (sans DeMarcus Cousins) is back healthy although they still seem slightly disinterested. If nothing else the period when Stephen Curry was out proved how important his presence is to the Dubs.

A sign things are at least a little worrisome for Golden State (specifically with their depth) is Steve Kerr mixing up the reserve rotation to give Curry time beside the reserve unit. This speaks to Kerr’s concern about the Dubs depth and likely their offensive flow (or lack thereof).

Most problematic is the recent cold shooting of Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. The latter being so poor teams are playing off him.

Count on both squads saying “it’s just another game” and also count on both clubs wanting to make a statement.