The Los Angeles Lakers are still without Kobe Bryant for the foreseeable future despite the All-Star returning to practice this week. Instead, the Lakers have rotated at least 10 players in the starting lineup. The same five have been working throughout the past four games and they will get another chance to prove themselves on Friday night as the Golden State Warriors make their way to the Staples Center.
The Lakers have found success when no one thought they could. Players like Jordan Hill are making their names at the start of the season. The forward started the season coming off the bench, but what then inserted into the starting lineup. He has improved greatly since moving up the depth chart. Hill is putting up 18.8 points and 12.0 rebounds as a starter. He put up career-high numbers against the Detroit Pistons with 24 points and 17 rebounds.
Outside of Bryant's injury, point guard Steve Nash is out for the next few weeks. In his place, Steve Blake is stepping up. He put up 16 assists against the Pistons while displaying great ball skills. It has certainly given veterans like Pua Gasol confidence that things will work out.
The Lakers will have their hands filled with the Golden State Warriors who are in the midst of a four-game win streak. Stephen Curry is considered questionable for the Western Conference matchup after sitting out Wednesday's game with a concussion. In his place, Klay Thompson will be expected to pick up the scoring slack. Thompson put up 38 points the last time he faced the Lakers.
The Lakers are giving up 103.8 points per game on average while the Warriors have been dominating on the scoring front. The matchup could be a good one as both teams fight for position in the conference.
