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Lakers big man Anthony Davis looks to pass as the Warriors’ Andre Iguodala defends during the first half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Lakers guard Rajon Rondo, left, is defended by Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II during the second half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors knocks the ball from LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors drives against Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Lakers guard Russell Westbrook, left, passes the ball to forward Anthony Davis, right, while defended by Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James shoots over Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II, second from right, during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Carmelo Anthony of the Lakers is fouled by Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors on a 3-point shot during the first half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts to a call by referee Nate Green during the first half of Tuesday night’s preseason game against the Lakers at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Damion Lee #1 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots against Golden State Warriors forwards Otto Porter Jr. (32) and Nemanja Bjelica (8) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors is fouled by Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Lakers during the first half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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LeBron James of the Lakers drives to the basket against Kevon Looney of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images))
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Lakers forward Kent Bazemore, left, shoots next to Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins, right, grabs the ball while defended by Lakers forward Anthony Davis during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Russell Westbrook shoots as Golden State Warriors forward Nemanja Bjelica defends during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney, left, shoots against Lakers forward Anthony Davis during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Dwight Howard of the Lakers is fouled by Nemanja Bjelica of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Dwight Howard of the Lakers reacts after a hard foul by by Nemanja Bjelica #8 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole, left, shoots under pressure from Lakers forward Anthony Davis during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors forward Nemanja Bjelica, right, is defended by Lakers forward LeBron James during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James gets to the basket for a layup as Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson defends during the first half of a preseason game on Tuesday night at Staples Center. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Warriors forward Nemanja Bjelica, left, drives against Lakers guard Austin Reaves during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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The Lakers’ Carmelo Anthony shoots a 3-pointer over the Warriors’ Jordan Poole during the second half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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The Lakers’ Trevelin Queen passes the ball around the defense of the Warriors’ Jordan Bell during the second half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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The Warriors’ Moses Moody steals the ball from Lakers center Dwight Howard during the second half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Lakers forward LeBron James, right, is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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The Lakers’ LeBron James shoots the ball as the Warriors’ Juan Toscano-Anderson defends during the second half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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The Lakers’ Joel Ayayi drives against Chris Chiozza of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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The Warriors’ Jordan Poole dunks the ball in front of the Lakers’ Chaundee Brown, right, and Rajon Rondo during the second half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Lakers center Dwight Howard dunks the ball over the Warriors’ Jordan Bell during the second half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Lakers forward LeBron James shoots over Golden State Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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The Warriors’ Gary Payton II drives to the basket past the Lakers’ Dwight Howard during the second half of Tuesday night’s preseason game at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Lakers guard Mac McClung, left, is defended by Golden State Warriors guard Avery Bradley during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Chaundee Brown Jr., right, grabs a rebound next to Golden State Warriors guard Damion Lee, center, and forward Jordan Bell during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole, left, goes up to basket under pressures from Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) stands during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) dribbles against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony (7) defends against Golden State Warriors forward Jordan Bell (6) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony (7) gestures against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) is fouled by Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors guard Damion Lee, right, shoots against Los Angeles Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forwards Anthony Davis (3) talks with Kent Bazemore (9) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors forward Nemanja Bjelica (8) goes up to basket against Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward Kent Bazemore (9) shoots against Golden State Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson (95) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors forward Jordan Bell, center, dunks as Los Angeles Lakers forward Cameron Oliver, left, and guard Austin Reaves watch during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) talks with forward Kent Bazemore (9) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors forward Nemanja Bjelica (8) dribbles against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) goes up to basket against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) passes the ball against Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) dunks against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) stands during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots against Golden State Warriors forward Nemanja Bjelica (8) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots against Golden State Warriors forward Chris Chiozza (2) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) wipes his face with his jersey during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots against Golden State Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson (95) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) drives against Golden State Warriors forward Nemanja Bjelica (8) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) dribbles during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Steph Curry, left, and Damion Lee of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after a dunk by Andre Iguodala, not pictured, during the second half of Tuesday night’s preseason game against the Lakers at Staples Center. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots against Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Chaundee Brown Jr. (38) goes up to basket while defended by Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Jordan Bell (6) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots over Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers head coach Frank Vogel looks on during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) drives to the basket as Anthony Davis (3) sets a screen for him during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Rajon Rondo (4) stands during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) drives against Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Rajon Rondo (4) stands during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony (7) gestures during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Chaundee Brown Jr. (38) goes up to basket under pressures from Los Angeles Lakers forward Kent Bazemore (9) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors guard Damion Lee (1) drives against Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) falls into the first row during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) is helped by guard Rajon Rondo (4) falling into the first row during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) is helped by Los Angeles Lakers guard sRussell Westbrook (0) and Rajon Rondo (4) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) drives past Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors guard Damion Lee (1) drives against Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Rajon Rondo (4) shoots against Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) goes up to basket under pressures from Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) drives past Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) stands during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives against Golden State Warriors forward Chris Chiozza (2) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors guard Damion Lee (1) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forwards Carmelo Anthony (7) talks with Anthony Davis (3) next to LeBron James (6) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forwards Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts in front of LeBron James (6) after he scoring against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors forward Chris Chiozza (2) drives against Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots over Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) looks to pass the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Jordan Bell (6) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) shoots over Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Mac McClung (37) dribbles against Golden State Warriors guard Avery Bradley (10) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) dribbles against Golden State Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson (95) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors guard Avery Bradley (10) dribbles the ball away from Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forwards Kent Bazemore (9) reacts next to Carmelo Anthony (7) after he scoring against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) drives against Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) is defended by Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4), forwards Jordan Bell (6) and Andrew Wiggins (22) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) reacts to a call during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game aaginst the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Mac McClung (37) dribbles against Golden State Warriors guard Avery Bradley (10) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) drives past Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forwards LeBron James (6), Carmelo Anthony (7) and Anthony Davis (3) watch on the bench during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors forward Otto Porter Jr. (32) shoots against Lakers guard Chaundee Brown Jr. (38) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward Kent Bazemore (9) looks on during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Golden State Warriors forward Chris Chiozza (2) drives against Lakers guard Chaundee Brown Jr. (38) during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers forward LeBron James (6) is introduced before a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) greets forwards LeBron James (6), Anthony Davis (3) and Carmelo Anthony (7) as he is introduced before a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
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Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) yells before a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
LOS ANGELES — The Big Three? The outcome remains to be seen. But very little has changed about the Big Two.
In the first preseason unveiling of their power trio, the Lakers’ original star duo shined the brightest on Tuesday night. Between LeBron James (17 points) driving to the rim and Anthony Davis (20 points) soaring over it, the franchise showed itself to be in good hands as the bumpier process of integrating Russell Westbrook inched along during a 111-99 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
“There’s endless possibilities, the things we can run and we can do,” Davis said. “And even though there were good things, a lot of things that we can do better.”
It was the team’s strongest exhibition showing during their 0-5 start, including a blowout loss on Friday against these same Warriors. Although perhaps that is too generous: Step Curry and Draymond Green took the night off for Golden State, allowing the Lakers to crank up the intensity at the start of the third quarter following a 55-53 halftime lead.
Westbrook (10 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, five turnovers) has not yet broken his scoring funk, missing his first four shots and struggling for the same finesse passing that has made him the NBA’s triple-double king. But in a small sample size, James and Davis showed they’re still a formidable tandem by themselves, finishing a combined 14 for 28 from the field.
“We don’t need to figure it out Oct. 18, 19, whenever the first game is,” Westbrook said. “We got one goal in mind and that’s to win the championship.”
The key was tempo, which was cranked up at the start. James and Davis combined for an 8-for-8 start from the field. James took on the role of slasher, which he did plenty the last time he wore No. 6 during his days with the Miami Heat – scoring three straight baskets at the rim. Davis was an aerial assailant, showing chemistry on lob passes from Rajon Rondo (five assists) for high-flying dunks that he rarely had the legs for last season.
Though the Lakers are a veteran group, they’ve emphasized that there might be a slow build to the team they think they can be. No one has stressed that more than James, who seemed eager to tamp down initial expectations against a soft, home-heavy early schedule.
“We’re going to have moments where we’re not quite right there – we might take steps backwards,” he said. “I think nothing is worth having if it’s not worth working for.”
Injuries made it an awkward night to fill out the minutes. In addition to long-term injuries to Talen Horton-Tucker and Trevor Ariza, the Lakers were also missing Kendrick Nunn (right ankle sprain), Malik Monk (right groin strain) and Wayne Ellington (left hamstring soreness). Veteran center DeAndre Jordan was given the night off for rest.
One of the bright spots was 23-year-old forward Austin Reaves, who finished with 10 points and a pair of steals. Injuries have helped thrust the Oklahoma product into a larger role this preseason, and both James and Davis lavished praise on the only rookie with a full roster spot. Davis gave him kudos after he made a stop on veteran Nemanja Bjelica.
“When we came back down, I said, ‘Man, playing like that earns you minutes,’” Davis said. “He has a real chance to play on our team. Especially when we got guys out, he just keep going and going and he’ll probably be on the floor.”
The Lakers have just one preseason game remaining Thursday night at Sacramento. They’ll open the season at home against the Warriors on Oct. 19.
I thought there were a lot of insights here from Anthony Davis on this question from @mcten — good rundown of the spacing the Lakers are looking for when they run the floor, how they read the number of defenders on each side and run actions based on that. pic.twitter.com/gGlQuggRko
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) October 13, 2021