The Golden State Warriors play host to the Los Angeles Lakers in a crucial game-five showdown on Wednesday night from the Chase Center. The Lakers are only a game away from securing their spot in the Western Conference finals, having won both games back in Los Angeles after splitting the first two games of the series. Across eight games this season, the Lakers have won five, showing dominance in this matchup. There's little doubt that this will be a premier game for fans to tune in for, especially with the series on the line.
The Lakers have dominated this series en route to being only a win away from the next round. Even with a losing record on the road this season, having already grabbed a win at the Chase Center in this series should give them plenty of confidence, beyond the fact that they are up 3-1 in the series. Los Angeles' size has caused plenty of issues on both ends for Golden State and while their depth has been hit or miss at times, they've done enough to find their way to a trio of wins. With two of the wins having come by single digits as well, there's no doubt that this one will come down to the wire as well.
It has helped that the Lakers have been able to remain relatively healthy this postseason and it shouldn't come as a surprise that their play has improved as they've continued to have everyone available. Mo Bamba (ankle) remains questionable but appears unlikely to play. With little usage, it's not likely that his absence will change how game five goes.
Lonnie Walker IV is the first Lakers bench player to score 15+ points in the fourth quarter of a playoff game since Kobe Bryant exactly 26 years ago today. pic.twitter.com/EPbinKFOLU
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) May 9, 2023
Los Angeles has dominated this series and it has started with their tenacity on the defensive end. Even though they were ranked 20th in the league in scoring defense this year, they were strong at defending the three-point line all season, which has shown to be a key in this series so far. On the offensive end, they continue to go where Anthony Davis (21.4 ppg, 14.0 rpg) takes them. His ability to dominate in the frontcourt has caused change after change for the Warriors to adjust, as the Lakers continue to be one step ahead. Not to be forgotten is having Lebron James (22.6 ppg) leading the way, as well as a supporting cast that has quickly grown into itself over the last few games.