LeBron lead Lakers over Warriors in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (#23) right moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (#23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian) Kevork Djansezian/Associated Press
2025.02.06 – LeBron James had 42 points, 17 rebounds and eight assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers hang on to beat the Golden State Warriors 120-112 on Thursday night in Los Angeles.
Stephen Curry and James will be playing alongside new co-stars soon for the Warriors and Lakers as four-time NBA champions, respectively.
Not on Thursday night, however, at Crypto.com Arena. They shared the Los Angeles spotlight for their 55th match-up.
The Warriors having traded Thursday for standout wing Jimmy Butler — who was introduced during a pregame news conference – Lakers, traded this week for star guard Luka Doncic.
Curry finished with 37 points, albeit on 13-for-35 (6-for-20 from 3-point range) shooting.
James, who turned 40 on Dec. 30, was masterful once again, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to score at least 40 points to finish his 26th victory over his longtime rival. The only other player to score 40 after his 40th birthday is Michael Jordan.
Buddy Hield scored 14 points for the Warriors, who committed seven first-quarter turnovers, trailed by 26 late in the second and once again have more losses than wins as dropped to 11th in the Western Conference standings.
Said Curry, sporting a black leather jacket, black undershirt and a welt atop his forehead sustained from a collision with Lakers guard Austin Reaves: “We’re not that far off. But you just can’t have a six- to eight-, nine-minute period where you give the other team that type of momentum.”
2025.02.06 – Warriors vs. Lakers (NBA Video highlights)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (#23) center goes up for a lay-up against Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (#7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian) Kevork Djansezian/Associated Press
2025.02.06 – Warriors vs. Lakers (NBA Video highlights)
2025.02.06 – Warriors vs. Lakers (NBA Video highlights)
As a result, the Warriors played catchup as James controlled the pace of play by driving, shooting — 6-for-9 from 3-point range — or drawing defenders to open his teammates for attacks and jumpers. Their 69-49 halftime deficit, spurred in transition, was whittled to five toward the end of the fourth quarter.
A small-ball unit started the third quarter — Moses Moody replaced center Quinten Post in Golden State’s first fivesome, pushing Draymond Green to center — and re-calibrated its spacing while adding more defensive speed.
Driving, passing and cutting angles opened. The Warriors (25-26) won the second half 63-51. But the Lakers (30-19) won the fast-break battle 35-9 and free-throw battle 29-14. They were also beneficiaries of a missed eight-second violation in the final minute.
“Loved our fight in the second half. Loved the way our guys competed. That’s what it’s going to have to feel like the rest of the season,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “But we have to add the awareness and feel of not giving up the easy stuff when it comes to transition, pick-six passes, fouling when they’re in the bonus.”
The Warriors figure to be bolstered by Butler, who plans to play Saturday against the Chicago Bulls. Curry was faceguarded, blitzed and trapped by defenders like he has been all season. Synergy should form between their differing skill sets.
2025.02.06 – Warriors vs. Lakers (NBC Sports Post Game)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith, left, steals the ball from Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, second from left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)Kevork Djansezian/Associated Press
2025.02.06 – Warriors vs. Lakers (NBC Sports Post Game)
2025.02.06 – Warriors vs. Lakers (NBC Sports Post Game)
When Curry is trapped, Butler can cut or attack a scrambling defense in rotation. When Butler’s on the ball, Curry can move freely, relieved from the nonstop aggression he faces.
“That’s a big reason for the trade — is to help Steph. To help alleviate some of that pressure,” Kerr said. “I imagine that Jimmy is going to be really important for us both with Steph next to him and when Steph is off the floor.
“We’re excited to have him and he’s excited to be here, and that’s the point of making a big trade. You need an energy shift, and it was obvious this team needed one. Always tough when you make these moves.”
The Warriors weren’t due to practice Friday, meaning Butler won’t practice before he plays if he indeed debuts Saturday for Golden State. In preparation, he was to receive a video of the Warriors’ various out-of-bounds plays along with a sheet with its terminology, according to Kerr, who also planned to sit with him on the flight to Chicago.
Green (13 points, five rebounds, four assists) commended general manager Mike Dunleavy for executing the trade that brought Butler to the Warriors.
“He was so aggressive in trying to make a move to give us an opportunity,” Green said. “And I respect that because, in a sense, it kind of puts him on the forefront for this thing to work. For us as players, specifically myself and Steph as leaders, you’ve got to respect that and you’ve got to make him right. He made a move for us that helps us.
And so it’s on us to now go make him right.”
2025.02.06 – Warriors vs. Lakers (Krueger & Crew Post Game)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (#15) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (#2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian) Kevork Djansezian/Associated Press
2025.02.06 – Warriors vs. Lakers (Krueger & Crew Post Game)
2025.02.06 – Warriors vs. Lakers (Krueger & Crew Post Game)
Pat Spencer added 13 points for Golden State. Moody, who had 14 points, has scored in double figures in 10 of his past 11 games.
Doncic was out with a left calf strain and is reportedly set to debut Monday for the Lakers.
KEY MOMENT
Curry became the 16th player in NBA history with 300 career 30-point games.
INJURIES
Warriors: F Jonathan Kuminga will be re-evaluated again in one week as he begins some individual work while recovering from a sprained right ankle that has kept him out the last 13 games.
UP NEXT
Lakers: Host Indiana on Saturday.
Warriors: Head to face the Bulls on Saturday. (GSW ROSTER)
Related – See : Warriors shock NBA West-best the OKC Thunder
Related – See below: 2022 Warriors NBA Finals Champions
Read more at: Golden State Warriors Media Services / More AP NBA
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2022 Warriors NBA Finals Champions