Everything is on the line in the Lakers-Warriors Western Conference semifinal series, with Los Angeles leading 3-2 heading into Friday night’s Game 6 at 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 squads, none more veteran than LeBron James, who is still putting on a show in his 20th season and has a strong opinion on whether the Lakers will benefit from flopping. But how long will he continue to shine for the Lakers? Draymond Green of the Warriors has a player option for next season, so his future with the Warriors is not guaranteed.
Adding to the intrigue was the injury to Lakers big man Anthony Davis, who was hit in the head midway through the fourth quarter and did not return to the Warriors’ Game 5 win. As Golden State hopes to keep its season alive, said Lakers coach Darvin Ham said Thursday that Davis was out of the concussion protocol and the Lakers later listed him as possibly having a right foot stress injury. That seems like a positive for the Lakers, but it’s hard to know what to expect from the standout big man, who has been inconsistent in this series against the Warriors.
Word started to spread Wednesday night that Davis would be OK, and that’s not surprising given where we are at this point in the season. However, the game was left to be played. And we’ll have an answer Friday night as to how effective Davis will be, and if the Warriors’ season will continue.
How to watch Lakers-Warriors
WHO: No. 6-seeded Golden State Warriors at No. 7-seeded Los Angeles Lakers
What: Western Conference semifinals, Game 6 (Lakers lead, 3-2)
When: 10 pm ET Friday
where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
TV: ESPN (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters)
