The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors have traditionally maintained a geographically rooted rivalry that has leaned towards friendliness rather than hostility.
The Lakers' historical dominance influences this dynamic compared to the Warriors, who have often found themselves bottom dwellers before the 2010s.
However, the narrative has shifted with the rise of the Warriors' dynasty in the middle of the 2010s, with stars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Kevin Durant bringing multiple Larry O'Brien Championship Trophies to the Bay.
Meanwhile, the Lakers faded into obscurity during the same period following the retirement of Kobe Bryant. However, the arrival of LeBron James to the team in 2018 has rejuvenated the franchise, adding intensity and competitiveness to the rivalry between the Warriors and Lakers.
The NBA's all-time leading scorer had already been rivals with the Warriors himself before this Lakers stint, facing them four times in 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 particular significance as it marked their first high-stakes encounter since LeBron joined the purple-and-gold in 2018.
Many of their previous games were regular-season matchups, during which either the Lakers or Warriors were often sidelined from title contention due to injuries.
The Lakers secured a victory in the game, clinching a playoff spot with a 103-100 win, courtesy of a shot clock buzzer-beating three-pointer from LeBron with about a minute left at the then-Staples Center.
Subsequently, the Warriors faced another Play-In game against the Grizzlies a few days later, but they were unsuccessful and suffered elimination from postseason contention.
2. 2023 NBA Playoffs - Western Conference Semifinals Game 4 - May 8, 2023
The 2023 Western Conference Semifinals clash between the Lakers and Warriors marked their first postseason meeting in 32 years and the first playoff series featuring LeBron James and Stephen Curry since the 2018 NBA Finals.
Heading into Game 4 at the Crypto.com Arena with the Lakers leading the series 2-1, the match unfolded as a thrilling and back-and-forth affair.
In the final minute, Curry missed two potential go-ahead three-pointers, while Lakers guard Lonnie Walker IV scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, propelling the Lakers to a commanding 3-1 series lead with a 104-101 victory.
3. 2023-24 NBA regular season - January 27, 2024
The most recent regular-season game between the two teams on Saturday, January 27, at the Chase Center is arguably the best they have ever played against each other.
LeBron James and Stephen Curry engaged in a classic duel, with James recording a triple-double featuring 36 points, a career-high 20 rebounds, and 12 assists. Meanwhile, Curry delivered an impressive performance, scoring 46 points, hitting nine three-pointers, and adding seven assists in the double-overtime thriller.
Curry's three-pointer with 5.9 seconds left in the second overtime was a potential game-winner, but James was fouled on a drive in the next possession. He calmly sank two free throws with 1.2 seconds left, securing a 145-144 victory for the Lakers.
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