![LeBron James and the Lakers visit Stephen Curry and the Warriors on Saturday (Feb. 2). - [NBA / YouTube screencap]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/2/3/660x290/b_502x220x82/lebron-james-and-the-lakers-visit-stephen-curry-and-the-warriors-on-saturday-feb-2-image-via-nbayoutube-screencap_2197209.jpg "LeBron James and the Lakers visit Stephen Curry and the Warriors on Saturday (Feb. 2). - [NBA / YouTube screencap]")
The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors battle it out on Saturday (February 2) at 8:30 PM ET. In a Christmas Day meeting, the Lakers were victorious but also lost LeBron James due to injury for a lengthy stretch of games. Below are five things to consider ahead of this latest NBA matchup set for primetime television.
Warriors trying to start new streak
The Golden State Warriors recently had their 11-game winning streak snapped, and it was on their home court. Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and the Philadelphia 76ers spoiled the streak, but now the Warriors will try to begin a new one, starting with the Lakers.
Can you dig it? #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/OXHEXKG35t
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 1, 2019
LeBron James is back
One of the big stories in the Lakers' previous game was the return of LeBron James to the lineup. He'd been sidelined ever since a groin injury caused him to leave the Warriors game on Christmas Day. LeBron tallied a near triple-double in his return, with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists to defeat the Clippers in overtime.
In his return to action Thursday, @KingJames recorded 24 PTS, 14 REB and 9 AST in the @Lakers win!
— NBA (@NBA) February 2, 2019
🏀: #LakeShow x #DubNation
⏰: 8:30pm/et 📺: #NBAonABC pic.twitter.com/ZqchhAjv6w
Lakers have catching up to do
Back in December, the Lakers found themselves just 2.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors in the Pacific Division. A lot changed when LeBron was injured, as the team experienced a number of losses for their record. They're now 10.5 games behind tonight's opposing team, but another win over them could help quite a bit.
After a 17-game absence, @KingJames returns to the lineup. 👀 pic.twitter.com/KVJrqUudOK
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 1, 2019
Warriors are large favorites, but check the trends
Golden State heads into tonight's home contest as a 10.5-point favorite at many sports books. While some may say that's disrespecting King James and his crew, it's more so respecting the reigning champions. That said, the Warriors are just 3-10-1 against the spread in their last 14 NBA games. With this game set for primetime, it could be a closer one than some fans expect.
Primetime showdown tonight 👀
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 2, 2019
Here’s what you need to know 👇https://t.co/PUhNjePvc7
Injury report for Lakers, Warriors
Several notable players' names have popped up on tonight's early injury report. For the Lakers, young players Josh Hart and Kyle Kuzma are each "day-to-day." The same goes for the Warriors' Klay Thompson, while power forward Jonas Jerebko will be out of action for the home team tonight.
This will be @KlayThompson’s 5th #NBAAllStar appearance.
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 1, 2019
⭐️⭐⭐⭐⭐ pic.twitter.com/xZlAesazZG
