Kerr doesn’t see rivalry with Lakers yet
LOS ANGELES — Count Golden State head coach Steve Kerr among those who aren’t ready to tout WarriorsLakers as a rivalry.
“We obviously each have some of the biggest stars in the league, so our games will draw a spotlight,” Kerr said before Golden State’s preseason game Wednesday night against the Lakers at Staples Center. “But we both have a lot of work to do before we get to that stage.”
The Warriors and Lakers scheduled four preseason games against each other for the chance to leverage their worldwide brands. And who can blame them? In a nostakes part of the calendar, each franchise knew the other would give it an opportunity to maximize potential for earnings and exposure.
WarriorsLakers boasts many of the makings of a premier NBA rivalry: three of the best players in the world, state bragging rights, two major media markets. There is also Golden State’s history with LeBron James, who dethroned it in the 2016 Finals while with the Cavaliers.
It was little surprise last season when the NBA scheduled LakersWarriors as the marquee game on its Christmas and MLK Jr. Day showcases. But in the wake of a groin injury James suffered on Christmas, the Lakers sputtered, falling out of the playoff picture.
The question now is whether the Warriors will be relevant enough to warrant being the Lakers’ rivals. With Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston gone, and Klay Thompson out until at least late February with a knee injury, Golden State might need memorable seasons from Stephen Curry and Draymond Green to make the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are widely expected to contend for homecourt advantage. The addition of Anthony Davis, as well as a number of proven role players, should keep them in the national conversation.
The Lakers and Warriors haven’t had any significant showdowns since the late 1980s, and the reason is simple: They haven’t been great at the same time. A return of this dormant rivalry could be good news, for the franchises involved and the league as a whole.
“I know it’s something the fans would be very interested in,” Kerr said.