Everything is on the line in the Lakers-Warriors Western Conference semifinal series, which Los Angeles leads 3-2 in Friday night's Game 6 at the Crypto.com Arena.
Seasons are at stake, player futures are in doubt and the trajectory of each franchise hangs in the balance. tomorrow is not promised. This is a veteran squad, none more experienced than lebron james, who is still performing in his 20th season and has strong opinions about whether the Lakers benefit from flopping. But how long will he continue to shine for the Lakers? The Warriors' Draymond Green has a player option for next season, so his future with the Warriors is not guaranteed.
Also complicating the injury was Lakers big man Anthony Davis, who suffered a head injury midway through the fourth quarter and missed the Warriors' Game 5 win. With Golden State's hopes of keeping their season alive, Lakers coach Derwin Ham said Thursday that Davis is not in concussion protocol and the Lakers later listed him as probable with a right foot stress injury. It appears to be a positive for the Lakers, but it's hard to know what to expect from the extraordinary big man who has been inconsistent this series against the Warriors.
Word began trickling in on Wednesday night that Davis would be fine, and it's not surprising considering where we are this season. Still, the game remains to be played. And we'll have our answer Friday night as to how effective Davis will be, and whether the Warriors' season will continue.
How to watch Lakers-Warriors
WHO: no. 6 seeded Golden State Warriors at No. 7 seeded Los Angeles Lakers
What: Western Conference Semifinals, Game 6 (Lakers lead, 3-2)
When: Friday at 10 p.m. ET
Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
TV: ESPN (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters)