The Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors played their last game outside of the USA. In a game that took place in Shanghai, China, the Los Angeles Lakers got smashed by the Warriors with a game ending with a score 115-89. The game went out of reach after the half, when the Warriors, led by Klay Thompson got really aggressive and put the game out of reach. The Lakers and Warriors will meet up again on Nov 22nd at the LA Staples Center!
Thompson showed for yet another time why Golden State is considered as a team the best-shooting backcourt in the league. Although his fellow sharpshooter, Stephen Curry stayed low, going 3 for 12 from the field, Thompson hit the target five times in six attempts from three-point range. He finished with 25 points leading all scorers. David Lee was also aggressive adding 16 points for Golden State with 16, while Kent Bazemore and Draymond Green scored 14 each coming off the bench. The newcomer star forward, Andre Iguodala had just four points but added 14 assists.
Golden State went on a 25-6 run late in the third to seal the victory, while the Los Angeles Lakers seemed to be lacking energy, especially after the halftime break. Unfortunately, Golden State saw their center Andrew Bogut experiencing back spasms early. He exited the game early in the first quarter and did not return. The Australian big man is already in contract negotiations with the team. The Warriors want to include some terms in the new contract that will secure the team from potential health issues Bogut might experience. Bogut appeared in just 32 games last season with Golden State.
The Lakers were happy to see their leader, Kobe Bryant, participating in the team’s warm-up before the game for the first time after he went down with a torn Achilles injury. The Mamba stated a few days before that he could be playing if it was postseason. Nevertheless, he will most probably sit during the Lakers’ season opener. Bryant joined the Lakers’ bench in the last quarter of the game, forcing the crowd in Shanghai to react with a big applause.
Gasol was the leading scorer for Los Angeles. He ended up scoring 16 points and also grabbed seven rebounds. However, all other Lakers players finished with single points. LA found themselves behind by as many as 30 points. They also got outrebounded 46 to 36. The Head Coach of the team, Mike D’Antoni downplayed the loss, stating that it all comes down to the regular season and more specifically the playoffs.
Klay Thompson on the other hand commented that it’s always good to beat the Lakers. Gasol pointed out that, as obvious, there is still much more work left for the Lakers. Especially now that Bryant is not available, the Lakers have to gather themselves up if they want to make a solid beginning in the season.
Yao Ming, a Shanghai native watched the game courtside. The former NBA superstar received a cheer from the crowd.
