Preseason games don鈥檛 normally matter. More than anything else, they provide opportunities for coaches to try out different personnel combinations, substitution patterns they wouldn鈥檛 otherwise employ, and plays seemingly more suited for the Globetrotters. Still, they鈥檝e become must-see fare of late, showing fans glimpses of the coming campaign. And, needless to say, some stand to be more interesting than others, headlined as they are by marquee names who, even with controlled exposure, remain motivated by winning.
Today鈥檚 match between the Warriors and the Lakers is a prime example of a one transcending circumstance, never mind that there鈥檚 no rivalry to speak of. For all the storied history of the National Basketball Association鈥檚 premier glamour franchise, the focus has shifted to the Bay Area in recent memory; the dynastic predilections of Steve Kerr鈥檚 charges are no more apparent than in their three titles over the last four years, as well as in their preeminent position heading into the 2018-19 season.
Don鈥檛 tell that to the Lakers, though. Bolstered by their acquisition of acknowledged best of the best LeBron James in free agency, they鈥檝e begun to look forward to not just making the playoffs for the first time in six years; they鈥檙e actually keen on going deep, their insistence on tempering expectations notwithstanding. Which is why they鈥檙e psyched for today鈥檚 contest with the Warriors. There鈥檚 nothing like going up against the National Basketball Association鈥檚 gold standard to gauge progress, or lack thereof.
Certainly, the outcome of an exhibition match in which as many as 26 players are bound to see action won鈥檛 matter in the long haul. Today, though, followers of the pro scene will be intent on minding the trees more than the forest. How well will James play with Lonzo Ball in the court, and vice versa? Will there be extra motivation for him to face the Warriors in purple and gold? Meanwhile, will the defending champions be moved to put him in his place? Bragging rights are, after all, important currency in the league.
Little wonder, then, that the Warriors-Lakers tiff has hogged headlines. The usual suspects have seen fit to provide the media with quotable quotes on the eve of the encounter, further fueling anticipation. Important to the bottom line? Nope. Far from worthless, though, as the stars themselves have shown.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since 大象传媒 introduced a Sports section in 1994.
