LOS ANGELES — Early in the second quarter, LeBron James walked across halfcourt and launched a 3 from the logo.
It was his building, but he was pulling from Steph Curry range.
On his way back on defense, James held both arms over his head as if to ask the Crypto.com Arena, “Are you not entertained?”
James hit his first five 3-pointers and Curry missed his first five. The Lakers led by as much as 26 in the first half, with their superstar commanding every inch of the court.
Although Golden State (25-26) generated a second-half storm, it wasn’t enough to overcome its poor start. Curry erupted for 37 points, jacking up 35 field goals knowing his team needed him to be aggressive. It wasn’t enough to overcome James (42 points, 17 rebounds, eight assists) in the Lakers’ 120-112 win.
On the night the Warriors introduced Jimmy Butler, they showed how much they need him. He’s expected to make his team debut on Saturday in Chicago, setting up for a sprint to the finish in a crowded Western Conference with ae of Curry, Butler and Draymond Green.
three-headed, veteran corNeither team had nearly their fully formed rosters, operating in the wake of the trade deadline hours earlier. Los Angeles’ deadline acquisitions, Luka Doncic and Mark Williams, were inactive. Their outgoing players Anthony Davis, Dalton Knecht, Max Christie and Cam Reddish, were elsewhere.
The Warriors likewise had 11 active players, including three on two-way deals. Andrew Wiggins, the hero and beloved teammate, is gone. So are Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson and Lindy Waters III. Jonathan Kuminga is set to get re-evaluated on Monday as he recovers from his ankle sprain. Gui Santos has a left knee injury.
