Golden State Warriors 121-114 LA Lakers: 5 talking points as Stephen Curry's triple-double overshadows 30-point outings from LeBron James and Anthony Davis | 2021-22 NBA season

Stephen Curry warms up ahead of the Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers game
Stephen Curry warms up ahead of the Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers game

#3 Russell Westbrook's shooting woes

Russell Westbrook's debut as an LA Laker does not go as planned
Russell Westbrook's debut as an LA Laker does not go as planned

Russell Westbrook made his LA Lakers debut against the Golden State Warriors. Unfortunately, he put in an underwhelming performance.

Westbrook struggled to find his footing with the team on both ends of the floor. Starting the game off with a miserable 1-7 from the field, the 32-year-old wasn't able to produce from beyond the arc. He ended the game with eight points, five rebounds and four assists while shooting 4-13 from the field.

With LeBron James carrying the LA Lakers offense, Westbrook was seen in an off-the-ball role that didn't suit his playing style. He often found his teammates open, but the timing of his passes were not good enough.

Westbrook may have to focus on scoring in the next game, as passing too many times also creates opportunities to turn the ball over.


#4 Jordan Poole catches fire for the Golden State Warriors

Jordan Poole warms up ahead of the Golden State Warriors vs LA Lakers matchup
Jordan Poole warms up ahead of the Golden State Warriors vs LA Lakers matchup

Jordan Poole is on the verge of a breakout season for the Golden State Warriors. With the absence of Klay Thompson being a glaring omission in Tuesday's lineup, head coach Steve Kerr looked to the third-year player to step up.

After an electrifying preseason display, Poole put in a scintillating performance in the Warriors' opening-night game against the LA Lakers.

Although he started off cold, the 22-year-old caught fire in the second half as he solidified the Golden State Warriors' lead after consecutive scoring runs.

With a playing style akin to Stephen Curry's, Poole uses his speed to move without the ball and utilizes his nifty handle to create space off the dribble.

Equally adept at shooting and crafty at finishing at the rim, Poole ended the game with 20 points, two rebounds and three assists.


#5 What happened to the LA Lakers' defensive intensity?

The LA Lakers were one of the best defensive teams in the NBA
The LA Lakers were one of the best defensive teams in the NBA

A big problem with establishing a new lineup in the NBA is chemistry. While this includes both offensive and defensive aspects, the LA Lakers put in a dismal defensive performance against the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors were able to win the game because of the number of open looks they found within the Lakers' defense.

The Purple and Gold need to focus on completing their defensive rotations and gaining possession, something that was an issue against the Golden State Warriors.

The LA Lakers have had some of the best defensive rosters in the past two seasons. They will have to make a lot of adjustments this season to get back to their defensive best.

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