3 Best Warriors-Lakers Games Ever: The place Does the 2-OT Thriller Rank?

The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors have historically maintained a geographically rooted rivalry that has leaned in the direction of friendliness slightly than hostility.

The Lakers’ historic dominance influences this dynamic in comparison with the Warriors, who’ve typically discovered themselves backside dwellers earlier than the 2010s.

However, the narrative has shifted with the rise of the Warriors’ dynasty in the midst of the 2010s, with stars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Kevin Durant bringing a number of Larry O’Brien Championship Trophies to the Bay.

Meanwhile, the Lakers pale into obscurity throughout the identical interval following the retirement of Kobe Bryant. However, the arrival of LeBron James to the group in 2018 has rejuvenated the franchise, including depth and competitiveness to the rivalry between the Warriors and Lakers.

The NBA’s all-time main scorer had already been rivals with the Warriors himself earlier than this Lakers stint, dealing with them 4 instances within the NBA Finals as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

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3 Best Warriors-Lakers Games Ever

1. 2021 Western Conference Play-In Tournament – May 19, 2021

Coming off the COVID-19 pandemic, this 2021 Play-In Tournament matchup for the seventh seed between the Lakers and Warriors held explicit significance because it marked their first high-stakes encounter since LeBron joined the purple-and-gold in 2018.

Many of their earlier video games have been regular-season matchups, throughout which both the Lakers or Warriors have been typically sidelined from title rivalry because of accidents.

The Lakers secured a victory within the sport, clinching a playoff spot with a 103-100 win, courtesy of a shot clock buzzer-beating three-pointer from LeBron with a few minute left on the then-Staples Center.

Subsequently, the Warriors confronted one other Play-In sport in opposition to the Grizzlies a number of days later, however they have been unsuccessful and suffered elimination from postseason rivalry.

2. 2023 NBA Playoffs – Western Conference Semifinals Game 4 – May 8, 2023

The 2023 Western Conference Semifinals conflict between the Lakers and Warriors marked their first postseason assembly in 32 years and the primary playoff collection that includes LeBron James and Stephen Curry because the 2018 NBA Finals.

Heading into Game 4 on the Crypto.com Arena with the Lakers main the collection 2-1, the match unfolded as an exciting and back-and-forth affair.

In the ultimate minute, Curry missed two potential go-ahead three-pointers, whereas Lakers guard Lonnie Walker IV scored 15 factors within the fourth quarter, propelling the Lakers to a commanding 3-1 collection lead with a 104-101 victory.

3. 2023-24 NBA common season – January 27, 2024

The most up-to-date regular-season sport between the 2 groups on Saturday, January 27, on the Chase Center is arguably the most effective they’ve ever performed in opposition to one another.

LeBron James and Stephen Curry engaged in a basic duel, with James recording a triple-double that includes 36 factors, a career-high 20 rebounds, and 12 assists. Meanwhile, Curry delivered a formidable efficiency, scoring 46 factors, hitting 9 three-pointers, and including seven assists within the double-overtime thriller.

Curry’s three-pointer with 5.9 seconds left within the second extra time was a possible game-winner, however James was fouled on a drive within the subsequent possession. He calmly sank two free throws with 1.2 seconds left, securing a 145-144 victory for the Lakers.

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