The stakes are all high in the Lakers-Warriors Western Conference semifinals series, with Los Angeles leading 3-2 ahead of Friday night’s Game 6 at the Crypto.com Arena.
Seasons are at stake, players’ futures are in doubt, and the development of each franchise is in jeopardy. Tomorrow is not promised. These are experienced rosters, and none is more experienced than LeBron James, who is still putting on a show in his 20th season and has a firm opinion on whether the Lakers will benefit from a flop. But how much longer can he shine for the Lakers? The Warriors’ Draymond Green has a player option for next season, so his future with the Warriors is not guaranteed.
Adding to the intrigue is the injury of Lakers great Anthony Davis, who suffered a blow to the head midway through the fourth quarter and was unable to return in the Warriors’ Game 5 win. As Golden State hopes to keep the season alive, Lakers coach Darvin Ham said Thursday that Davis does not have a concussion on record and the Lakers later ruled him likely with a right foot overuse injury. That seems positive for the Lakers, but it’s hard to say what to expect from the standout big man who has been inconsistent this series against the Warriors.
Word broke Wednesday night that Davis would be fine, and that’s not surprising given where we are at this point in the season. However, the game has yet to be played. And we’ll get our answer on Friday night as to how effective Davis will be and whether the Warriors’ season will continue.
Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers drives past Jordan Poole of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals at the Chase Center in San Francisco May 10, 2023. (Thearon W Henderson/Getty Images)
Here’s how to watch the Lakers Warriors
WHO: The 6-seeded Golden State Warriors versus the 7-seeded Los Angeles Lakers
What: Western Conference Semifinals Game 6 (Lakers lead, 3-2)
If: Friday, 10 p.m. ET
Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
TV: ESPN (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters)