Golden State @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 18, 2019 ) L.A. Lakers 103, Golden State 124

This contest between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors was envisioned to be a top-flight matchup prior to the season. But only Los Angeles is an elite team when the clubs get together Wednesday after the visiting Warriors were ravaged by injuries that have dropped them near the bottom of the league.

Having former two-time MVP Stephen Curry (broken hand) join backcourt mate Klay Thompson (knee) on the injured list was a huge blow for a Golden State squad that was dealt more misfortune Tuesday when backup guard Damion Lee was diagnosed with a broken right hand. "We'll figure out who's ready to go and we'll go from there," Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters after Tuesday's practice. "It's challenging. It's been kind of the theme so far. It's not exactly ideal but it's the reality. You don't spend a whole lot of time lamenting anything. You just keep going." The Lakers are off to their best 10-game start since the 2010-11 campaign when they also started 8-2. Los Angeles posted 39 assists in Tuesday's 123-115 win over the Phoenix Suns - equaling its best output since reaching the same total against the Utah Jazz on April 14, 2009 - prompting coach Frank Vogel to say, "if we truly commit to the extra pass offensively, and playing for each other, we're going to be near unbeatable."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, ESPN; NBC Sports Bay Area (Golden State), Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (2-9): Golden State has lost four consecutive games and is off to its worst start since also dropping nine of its first 11 during the 1999-2000 season en route to a 2-16 start. Guard D'Angelo Russell is the go-to shooter with Curry out and he is getting comfortable with his new club by stringing together four consecutive 30-point outings. The 23-year-old is averaging 36.3 points during the stretch, topped by a career-best 52-point performance in last Friday's 125-119 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

ABOUT THE LAKERS (8-2): Power forward Anthony Davis had 24 points and 12 rebounds against the Suns and was glad to see the ball "hopping" around the floor. "Just trying to move the ball and get easy looks," Davis told reporters. "I know what our goal is, I know what we're trying do." Kyle Kuzma added 23 points for his first 20-point effort of the season while fellow forward LeBron James contributed 19 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Warriors have won 10 of the past 11 meetings, including five straight in Los Angeles.

2. Los Angeles PG Rajon Rondo (calf) made his season debut against Phoenix and contributed five points, seven assists and six rebounds in 14 minutes.

3. Golden State C Omari Spellman (ankle) is doubtful and could miss his second straight game.

PREDICTION: Lakers 126, Warriors 97