The rivalry between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers has transformed from a regional competition to a national spectacle. Fueled by superstar power—Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Draymond Green—these matchups from 2023 to 2025 have delivered playoff drama, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable individual duels.
This article takes a comprehensive and stat-driven look at these matchups, focusing on player stats, team dynamics, and strategic trends, while honoring the broader historical context. Whether you’re a fantasy basketball enthusiast, die-hard fan, or analyst, this guide provides everything you need to know about the modern Lakers vs Warriors rivalry.
Historical Context of the Rivalry
Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to appreciate the legacy of this matchup.
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All-Time Regular Season Record (as of 2025): Lakers lead with 265 wins to the Warriors’ 177.
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Playoff Record: Lakers hold a significant edge, including a pivotal 2023 Western Conference Semifinals victory.
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Key Rivalry Era: The late 2010s to mid-2020s, when LeBron James and Stephen Curry—two of the game’s all-time greats—frequently met under playoff and primetime spotlights.
Though the Warriors dominated the NBA from 2015 to 2019, and again in 2022, the Lakers countered with their own resurgence, winning the 2020 NBA title. By 2023, both teams were loaded with talent, healthy (mostly), and ready to reignite their rivalry in the postseason.
2023 Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers (4) vs Warriors (2)
Perhaps the most consequential chapter in this rivalry came in the 2023 NBA Playoffs, where the Lakers eliminated the defending champion Warriors 4–2 in a six-game slugfest.
Game-by-Game Results:
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Game 1 (Lakers 117–112, in San Francisco)
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Anthony Davis: 30 pts, 23 reb, 5 ast, 4 blk
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LeBron James: 22 pts, 11 reb
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Stephen Curry: 27 pts, 6 threes
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Kevon Looney: 23 reb
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Lakers dominated inside, Warriors launched 53 three-pointers.
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Game 2 (Warriors 127–100)
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Klay Thompson: 30 pts, 8 threes
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Warriors hit 21 three-pointers in a blowout.
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Game 3 (Lakers 127–97)
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LeBron James: 21 pts, 8 reb, 8 ast
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D’Angelo Russell: 21 pts
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Lakers took back control with elite defense.
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Game 4 (Lakers 104–101)
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Lonnie Walker IV: 15 pts in 4th quarter
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LeBron & AD: 50+ combined pts
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Huge late-game defense sealed win.
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Game 5 (Warriors 121–106)
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Draymond Green: 20 pts, 10 reb
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Curry: 27 pts, 8 ast
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Warriors avoided elimination.
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Game 6 (Lakers 122–101)
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LeBron James: 30 pts, 9 reb, 9 ast
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Anthony Davis: 17 pts, 20 reb
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Lakers controlled from tip to final buzzer.
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Series Stats Summary
Player | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
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Anthony Davis | 21.5 | 14.5 | 2.3 | 57.8 | 0.0 |
LeBron James | 24.7 | 8.8 | 5.5 | 49.5 | 26.3 |
Stephen Curry | 26.7 | 5.5 | 7.5 | 43.9 | 34.3 |
Klay Thompson | 16.2 | 3.7 | 2.0 | 38.1 | 36.8 |
Draymond Green | 9.3 | 7.7 | 5.7 | 48.9 | 23.1 |
Key Observations:
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The Lakers out-rebounded and out-defended the Warriors consistently.
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Davis was a force inside, altering shots and securing boards.
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Curry’s volume was high, but the Lakers’ perimeter defense held him under 35% from deep.
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Klay had one breakout game (Game 2), but was largely quiet otherwise.
Expert Commentary:
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Steve Kerr (Warriors Head Coach): “Anthony Davis changed the series. His rim protection forced us into jump shots.”
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LeBron James: “We were locked in. Our defense was the difference.”
2023–24 Regular Season: Double-OT Thriller, 3-Point Barrages, and Role Player Surprises

The 2023–24 season featured four marquee matchups between the Warriors and Lakers, including a legendary double-overtime game, a record-setting three-point night, and standout performances from both stars and role players.
Game Highlights:
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Jan 27, 2024 (Lakers 145–144, 2OT in San Francisco)
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LeBron James: 36 pts, 20 reb, 12 ast (Triple-double)
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Stephen Curry: 46 pts, 9 threes
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D’Angelo Russell: 28 pts
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One of the best games of the season, with both Curry and LeBron trading daggers late into the second overtime.
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AP, NBA.com, and ESPN called it “an instant classic.”
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Feb 22, 2024 (Warriors 128–110)
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Klay Thompson: 22 pts (15 in Q3)
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Stephen Curry: 24 pts, 8 ast
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Anthony Davis: 27 pts
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Warriors controlled from the second quarter onward. The Lakers were on the second night of a back-to-back and rested LeBron.
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Mar 5, 2024 (Warriors 128–121 in Los Angeles)
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Stephen Curry: 33 pts
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Donte DiVincenzo: Key threes in crunch time
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LeBron James: 25 pts
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D’Angelo Russell: 21 pts
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Warriors overcame a halftime deficit with strong perimeter shooting and smart ball movement.
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Apr 9, 2024 (Warriors 134–120 in Los Angeles)
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Klay Thompson: 27 pts
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Stephen Curry: 23 pts
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Draymond Green: 5-for-5 from three in the first half
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Warriors set a franchise and opponent record by hitting 26 three-pointers, shooting 63.4% from deep.
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Anthony Davis was sidelined; LeBron James had 33 pts and 11 ast.
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Warriors moved ahead in the standings and secured the season series 3–1.
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Key Trends:
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Warriors’ Three-Point Shooting:
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Averaged 17.5 threes per game vs Lakers in the 2023–24 season.
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The April 9 game showed their explosive potential when left open.
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Lakers Without AD:
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Lost both games where Anthony Davis did not play or was limited.
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Paint points and defensive control suffered drastically without him.
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LeBron vs Curry:
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When both were active, the matchups were fireworks. Curry’s 46 points in the Jan 27 game were nearly matched by LeBron’s triple-double in the same game.
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Mutual respect was clear—both praised each other postgame.
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Curry vs LeBron: Modern Legends, Evenly Matched
The rivalry between Stephen Curry and LeBron James is one of the defining NBA storylines of the 21st century. Between their Finals meetings in the 2010s and their new battles in the West, the two future Hall-of-Famers bring out the best in each other.
Head-to-Head Summary (2023–2025 Regular Season & Playoffs)
Category | Stephen Curry | LeBron James |
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Avg PPG (Head-to-Head) | 30.1 | 27.3 |
3PT FG% | 38.7% | 30.8% |
Rebounds | 5.3 | 8.2 |
Assists | 6.8 | 6.4 |
Wins vs Opponent | 7 | 8 |
Notable Highlights:
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Curry’s Best Game: 46 points in Jan 27, 2024, including multiple 30+ foot threes in clutch.
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LeBron’s Best Game: 36-20-12 triple-double in same game, including game-winning free throws with 1.2 seconds left.
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Christmas 2024: Curry scored 38; LeBron had 31. Lakers won on a last-second layup by Austin Reaves.
Expert Quotes:
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Curry (postgame, via ESPN): “These games bring out the best in both of us. There’s nothing like going toe-to-toe with a legend like Bron.”
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LeBron (postgame, via AP): “Competing against Steph is always special. He’s changed the game.”
AD vs Draymond: Interior Chess Match
Another critical matchup: Anthony Davis vs Draymond Green.
2023 Playoffs Stats
Player | PPG | RPG | BPG | FG% |
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Anthony Davis | 21.5 | 14.5 | 2.2 | 57.8 |
Draymond Green | 9.3 | 7.7 | 1.2 | 48.9 |
Analysis:
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Davis’s Advantage:
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Height and agility allowed him to dominate in the paint.
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Green, often undersized, struggled to stop AD’s post-ups.
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Green’s Value:
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Directed Warriors’ defensive rotations.
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Excelled in fast-paced games and playmaking in transition.
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Verbal Exchanges & Intensity:
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Known for animated play, Draymond frequently tried to get into Davis’s head.
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Davis largely kept composure and let his numbers do the talking.
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ESPN Analysis: Davis “neutralized Golden State’s small-ball advantage,” especially in Games 1 and 6.
2024–25 Regular Season: Luka Arrives, Reaves Ascends, and Podziemski Bursts On Scene
By the 2024–25 season, the Lakers and Warriors evolved—both in roster composition and playing style. The most shocking development was the Lakers’ midseason blockbuster trade, acquiring Luka Dončić to form a new Big Three alongside LeBron and Anthony Davis.
Matchup Recap:
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Dec 25, 2024 (Lakers 115–113, Christmas Game in San Francisco)
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LeBron James: 31 pts (NBA-record 19th Christmas appearance)
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Stephen Curry: 38 pts, 8 threes
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Austin Reaves: 26 pts, 10 reb, 10 ast (Triple-double + Game-winner)
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Lakers stunned the Warriors with a last-second drive and layup by Reaves.
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ESPN and AP called it “a signature moment” in Reaves’ career.
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Jan 25, 2025 (Lakers 118–108 in San Francisco)
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Anthony Davis: 36 pts, 13 reb
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LeBron James: 25 pts, 12 ast
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Stephen Curry: 13 pts (0 in second half)
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Lakers held Curry scoreless after halftime, using multiple defenders and zone schemes.
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Feb 6, 2025 (Lakers 120–112 in Los Angeles)
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Luka Dončić: 22 pts, 9 reb, 11 ast
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LeBron/AD: 20+ pts each
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Stephen Curry: 30 pts
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Dončić’s presence gave the Lakers a triple-threat playmaking offense.
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Apr 3, 2025 (Warriors 123–116 in Los Angeles)
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Stephen Curry: 37 pts
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Brandin Podziemski: 28 pts, 8 threes (career high)
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Austin Reaves: 31 pts, 9 threes
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Warriors avoided a sweep with one of their most complete team performances.
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Season Series Outcome:
Lakers won the season series 3–1 and closed the regular season with momentum and depth.
Breakout Stars & Role Player Impact
Austin Reaves (Lakers)
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Averaged 18+ PPG vs Warriors in 2024–25.
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Career-high triple-double on Christmas, clutch baskets throughout the season.
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Strong shooter, smart off-ball cutter, and confident ball-handler in big moments.
Brandin Podziemski (Warriors)
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Rookie guard who exploded for 28 points and 8 threes in April matchup.
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Offered a glimpse of the future backcourt post-Klay Thompson era.
Supporting Cast Comparisons
Player | 2024–25 Avg vs Opponent | Notes |
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Austin Reaves (LAL) | 18.2 PPG, 5.4 APG | Key closer, drew fouls, hit threes |
D’Angelo Russell | 13.6 PPG | Secondary ball handler |
Podziemski (GSW) | 12.8 PPG (vs LAL) | Strong shooting, high IQ guard |
Wiggins (GSW) | 15.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG | Guarded LeBron, hit timely shots |
Gary Payton II | Limited offense | Defensive specialist |
Takeaway: Lakers had more consistent bench production, especially in close games. Warriors relied more heavily on Curry’s offensive creation.
Coaching Strategies and Team Style Analysis
Lakers’ Strategy:
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Size advantage: LeBron (6’9”), Davis (6’10”), Dončić (6’7”) created mismatches.
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Defensive intensity: Vanderbilt and Davis anchored the defense.
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Paint scoring focus: High post-ups, fast-breaks, and alley-oops.
Warriors’ Strategy:
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Three-point volume: Averages 42+ 3PA per game vs Lakers.
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Ball movement: High assists per game (29+ in wins).
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Pace control: Tried to increase tempo to disrupt Lakers’ rhythm.
Tactical Notes:
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Lakers’ Defense vs Curry: Used a mix of switches, traps, and drop coverages. Jarred Vanderbilt was frequently assigned to chase Curry off screens.
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Warriors’ Offense vs Davis: Spaced the floor to pull AD away from the basket. Draymond set high screens to create switch mismatches.
Expert Analysis from NBA.com:
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“When Davis plays, the Lakers’ defensive rating vs GSW is 105. Without him, it jumps to 118.”
Statistical Trends: 2023–2025
Shooting Efficiency:
Team | FG% | 3P% | FT% | PPG |
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Lakers | 48.6% | 36.2% | 79.3% | 116.1 |
Warriors | 46.1% | 38.7% | 76.5% | 117.3 |
Rebounding & Paint:
Category | Lakers | Warriors |
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Rebounds/Game | 46.3 | 42.1 |
Points in Paint/Game | 50.4 | 38.5 |
Blocks/Game | 6.8 | 4.1 |
Takeaway:
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Lakers dominate inside and rebounding.
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Warriors win from deep, but depend on shooting variance.
Key Takeaways from Warriors vs Lakers (2023–2025)
1. Anthony Davis is the Ultimate X-Factor
When healthy and engaged, AD transforms the Lakers on both ends:
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With Davis: Lakers dominate the paint, control rebounds, and force opponents into contested shots.
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Without Davis: Opponents (especially Golden State) gain confidence and attack freely from deep.
Expert Insight (via NBA.com): “The Lakers’ net rating with Davis vs Golden State is among the best in the league.”
2. LeBron vs Curry Still Defines the Era
Despite their age—LeBron (40 in 2025), Curry (37)—they remain MVP-level performers:
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LeBron’s impact: Commanding in clutch, elite playmaking.
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Curry’s brilliance: Forces constant defensive adjustment, still leads scoring in bursts.
Their rivalry is now evenly matched—LeBron’s teams lead Curry’s slightly in wins, but both have delivered unforgettable moments.
3. Austin Reaves and Brandin Podziemski Are the Future
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Reaves: Evolved into a two-way starter, capable of triple-doubles and late-game heroics.
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Podziemski: A surprise weapon for Golden State, providing elite shooting and hustle.
These rising stars could carry the rivalry forward in the post-LeBron/Curry era.
4. The Three-Point Line vs the Free-Throw Line
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Warriors rely on volume threes (38%+ on 40+ attempts).
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Lakers win the free-throw and paint battle, leading in attempts and makes.
This contrast defines game tempo and outcome:
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When threes fall, Golden State rolls.
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When Lakers get to the line and slow the game, they win.
5. Role Players Swing Momentum
Game-changing performances often come from non-stars:
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Lonnie Walker IV: 15-point 4th quarter in 2023 Game 4.
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Reaves: Game-winner on Christmas 2024, triple-double.
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Draymond Green: Defensive tone-setter, occasional offensive surprise.
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Wiggins and Russell: Effective when hot, inconsistent otherwise.
Smart coaches leverage hot hands—Darvin Ham did this well in 2023 and 2024.
6. Team Depth and Health Are Decisive
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Lakers’ depth improved dramatically after roster adjustments.
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Warriors’ bench still finding identity; injuries (e.g., to Chris Paul, Gary Payton II) hurt their continuity.
Fantasy Tip:
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Prioritize LeBron, AD, Curry for consistency.
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Reaves, Wiggins, and Podziemski offer high upside in matchups, especially when starters rest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who leads the all-time regular-season series?
A: The Lakers lead the all-time regular-season series with 265 wins to the Warriors’ 177, as of the end of the 2024–25 season.
Q2: Who has the edge in playoff meetings?
A: The Lakers. They have won 4 out of the 5 playoff series against the Warriors, including the pivotal 2023 Western Conference Semifinals (4–2).
Q3: Who won more games between Curry and LeBron in this rivalry?
A: LeBron-led teams slightly edge out Curry’s teams during 2023–2025, including playoffs. Their head-to-head is very close, with mutual respect noted between the two.
Q4: Which Warriors vs Lakers game was most memorable?
A: The Jan 27, 2024 double-overtime game where LeBron had a 36-20-12 triple-double and Curry scored 46. Also notable: 2024 Christmas (Reaves game-winner), and 2023 Game 4 (Lonnie Walker’s clutch quarter).
Q5: Will the rivalry continue in future playoffs?
A: Highly likely. Both teams remain playoff-caliber, and with players like Reaves, Dončić (Lakers) and Podziemski, Kuminga (Warriors) evolving, the story may continue even beyond the LeBron-Curry era.
Read Also: Toeboards Are Usually ___ Inches High and Used on Landings and Balconies.
Final Thoughts
From playoff knockouts to overtime classics, and from GOAT-level performances to rookie breakthroughs, the Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers rivalry (2023–2025) delivered every element fans could hope for—drama, stats, strategy, and moments etched into basketball lore.
As the NBA continues to evolve, this rivalry stands as proof that superstars, coaching, and matchups still define championship DNA. Whether you’re an analyst, fantasy GM, or just love high-level basketball, these games between the Lakers and Warriors will remain a benchmark of modern rivalry.
Let’s hope the next postseason delivers another unforgettable chapter.
Credits & Sources
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NBA.com – Official stats, schedules, and game recaps
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ESPN – Game analysis, player performance data
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AP (Associated Press) – Post-game quotes, headline stories
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Bleacher Report – Highlight summaries, trending player insights
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Basketball-Reference – Historical matchup data and advanced stats
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Golden State of Mind – Team news and player updates
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Reuters – Key game events and play-by-play highlights