On January 25, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers headed to San Francisco to take on the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center. In an intense matchup that delivered plenty of action, the Lakers came out on top with a solid 118-108 win, thanks to the brilliance of Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
A Close First Half
The game kicked off with high energy from both teams. The Warriors, fueled by the home crowd, started strong, with Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins putting in some early work. Curry’s quick shots and Wiggins’ aggression helped the Warriors find their rhythm.
On the other side, the Lakers leaned on their superstar duo, Anthony Davis and LeBron James, to keep them in the game. Davis was a force in the paint, grabbing rebounds and scoring with ease, while LeBron’s court vision helped the Lakers stay organized on offense. By halftime, the game was still tight, with both teams trading buckets and neither pulling away.
Third Quarter: The Lakers Take Control
The Lakers came out of halftime looking like a completely different team. Whatever adjustments coach Darvin Ham made in the locker room worked wonders. Anthony Davis turned into an unstoppable force, scoring at will inside and out. He dominated the boards, shutting down the Warriors’ second-chance opportunities.
LeBron James also shifted into high gear, dishing out perfect passes and attacking the basket with his signature strength and skill. The Lakers’ defense stepped up, too, making life difficult for the Warriors. Curry, who had a decent first half, couldn’t find his rhythm in the second half and went scoreless in the final two quarters. This defensive lockdown helped the Lakers build a solid lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Lakers Seal the Deal
In the final quarter, the Warriors made a push to claw their way back into the game. Andrew Wiggins stepped up, hitting some tough shots to keep his team in the fight. But the Lakers weren’t about to let this one slip away.
A huge moment came when Dorian Finney-Smith, one of the Lakers’ recent additions, hit a clutch three-pointer that extended the lead and quieted the Chase Center crowd. LeBron kept his team calm and composed, making key plays down the stretch to ensure the Warriors couldn’t stage a comeback. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Lakers had secured a well-earned 118-108 victory.
Star Performances
- Anthony Davis: AD was absolutely dominant, putting up 36 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Whether it was scoring in the post, blocking shots, or snatching rebounds, he was everywhere and the clear MVP of the game.
- LeBron James: LeBron showed why he’s still one of the best in the league, finishing with 25 points and 12 assists. His leadership, smart plays, and ability to deliver in crunch time were key to the Lakers’ win.
- Andrew Wiggins: Wiggins led the Warriors with 20 points and gave his all to keep the team in the game, especially in the second half.
- Stephen Curry: Surprisingly, Curry had an off night. After scoring 13 points in the first half, he went scoreless in the second, a rarity for the Warriors’ superstar.
What This Win Means for Both Teams
For the Lakers, this victory was huge. It’s their third win in a row and a big confidence boost, especially on the road against a tough opponent like the Warriors. They’re climbing the Western Conference standings and proving they can win with a balanced effort. The addition of Dorian Finney-Smith seems to be paying off already, giving the team more depth and versatility.
For the Warriors, this loss raises some concerns. They’ve now dropped three of their last four games and are struggling to find consistency. Curry’s off night highlighted how dependent they are on him, and their defense left much to be desired. They’re currently outside the play-in tournament spots, so there’s a lot of work to be done if they want to stay in the playoff race.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers will look to build on this momentum as they continue their road trip. With AD and LeBron firing on all cylinders, and their supporting cast stepping up, they’re starting to look like real contenders again.
The Warriors, meanwhile, need to regroup quickly. They’ll need more from their role players and tighter defense if they’re going to bounce back. With a competitive Western Conference, every game matters, and the clock is ticking for them to find their groove.
This game was a perfect showcase of why the Lakers are heating up at the right time—and a reminder that the Warriors have some serious questions to answer as the season rolls on. For fans, it was another memorable chapter in this iconic rivalry.
