LAKERS vs WARRIORS (PRE-GAME REPORT)

Last game was(as Robert says) a "stinger." Really though, ouch! As sure as all Laker fans feel it, I know the Lakers feel it more. And if that loss doesn't fire them up, then I don't know what will. Tonight the Lakers host Golden State as they look to sweep the Warriors in the regular season. This game is also the last home game before their seven game road trip.

The Lakers hope to bounce back from that horrible loss to Philly. Now I can throw a bunch of numbers an percentages at you, but you already kno all that. And if you don't? Please just click on one of the previous Warriors Pre-Game. Let's see what this other California team has been up to lately.

They've won 3 of their last 5 games. Stephen Jackson was suspended in their last game for picking up his 16th technical foul this season. A couple of those techs came from trying to guard Kobe and blamed the refs out of frustration. I'm pretty sure he'll add on one(maybe two) in tonight's game. Warriors' Coach Don Nelson, for some reason, wants to bench Jamal Crawford for the next two games and start Sophomore Marco Belinelli at the SG position. Why? I have no idea. From what I understand, Crawford will not play at all.

Now the match-ups(or possible ones at least). At the PG, Monta Ellis who has a huge advantage over Fish, which is why I think Kobe will take on the duty as Fish will most likely take Belinelli. Ariza gets to take on Stephen Jackson. A guy who can score, but at the same time, loves to pass. Which is perfect for Ariza, who loves to play the passing lanes. Lamar has Brendan Wright, who has been getting limited minutes coming back from an injury. And Pau has Mr. Ronny Turiaf, who happens to be their tallest guy with Biedrins out. Shouldn't be a problem since Pau and Ronny had some experience with each other during Laker practices.

Both these teams can score. Especially the Warriors, who at any given night, can have one of their other players like Maggette, Randolph, Azubuike, and Watson, score +20 points. The question remains. Which team will defend? The team that does, will likely be the winner.