Everything is on the line in the Lakers-Warriors Western Conference Semifinal series, which Los Angeles leads 3-2 heading into Game 6 Friday night at the Crypto.com Arena.
Seasons are at stake, player futures are in doubt and the trajectory of each franchise hangs in the balance. Tomorrow is not promised. These are veteran teams, with no player more seasoned than LeBron James, who is still putting up a showing in his 20th season and has strong opinions about whether the Lakers will capitalize on failure. But how long can he continue to shine with the Lakers? The Warriors’ Draymond Green has a player option for next season, so his future with the Warriors isn’t guaranteed.
Adding to the excitement is an injury to Lakers big man Anthony Davis, who suffered a blow to the head midway through the fourth quarter and was unable to return in the Warriors’ Game 5 victory. With Golden State hoping to keep his season alive, Lakers coach Darvin Ham said Thursday that Davis is not in concussion protocol and that the Lakers later classified him as likely with a right foot injury. This seems like a positive for the Lakers, but it’s hard to know what to expect from the standout big man, who has been so inconsistent in this series against the Warriors.
Word started pouring in on Wednesday night that Davis would be fine, which isn’t surprising considering where we’re at at this point in the season. However, the game is left to be played. And we’ll have our answer Friday night about how effective Davis will be, and whether the Warriors’ season will last.
How to watch Lakers Warriors
from: The No. 6 seed Golden State Warriors at the No. 7 seed Los Angeles Lakers
What: Western Conference Semifinals, Game 6 (Lakers lead, 3-2)
when: 10 p.m. ET on Friday
where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
television: ESPN (Mike Brin, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters)
Follow live Lakers-Warriors Game 6 updates
“Award-winning social media nerd. Food specialist. Amateur entrepreneur. Pop culture maven. Subtly charming explorer.”