With superstar duo LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the way, the Lakers have the talent to beat anyone in a seven-game series, but health will be a key factor. In Friday's game against the Pelicans,

James, of course, has had some memorable battles versus the Warriors over the years. His Cleveland Cavaliers faced the Warriors in the NBA Finals four straight times from 2015 to 2018, and his Lakers defeated Green's men in the second round of the 2023 playoffs.

Unfortunately for James, the NBA 's all-time leading scorer sustained a painful-looking thumb injury in the first half. The Lakers star got his right thumb caught in the ring as he attempted to block Jose Alvarado's lay-up.

Stephen Curry scores 37 points to outscore LeBron James and lead the Golden State Warriors to a 123-116 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Stephen Curry scored 37 points and Brandin Podziemski added 28 with a career-high eight 3-pointers as the visiting Golden State Warriors continued their late-season surge with a 123-116 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.

Steph Curry notches 37 points with six assists to lead the Warriors to a huge win over the Lakers.