Only a few hours, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors will take the spotlight in the NBA, confirming their preparedness.

Despite the main season still having another month to go, Rui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers expressed that the Sunday match against the Golden State Warriors carries the significance of a pivotal showdown.

“This game will be significant, almost resembling a playoff match,” the Japanese player shared after practice. It feels like we’ve faced them numerous times—preseason, direct qualifiers, and regular season games. So, we possess a good understanding of each other.”

Indeed, LA and Golden State have crossed paths ten times within the past ten months, starting from the playoffs stage after the previous spring season. Each team has emerged victorious in five of those encounters.

The Lakers (36-31) currently hold the ninth position in the Western Conference, with a one-game gap from the Warriors (34-31). If the postseason were to commence today, L.A. would host the Warriors in a Play-in game, where the winning team would go on to face the losing team from the other Play-in matchup in a bid to secure a playoff spot.

“Who desires it more?” Hachimura pondered. “We must demonstrate that spirit and strive to gain an advantage tomorrow.”

Both teams are entering this matchup following recent defeats. The Lakers suffered a 107-120 loss to the Sacramento Kings, while the Warriors, missing Stephen Curry (ankle) and Draymond Green (back), endured a 99-109 defeat against the Dallas Mavericks.

With this game’s implications for the overall standings, Coach Darvin Ham believes Golden State will field Curry and Green in the starting lineup. In preparation for this contest, the Lakers have reviewed footage of their loss to the Kings to extract valuable lessons.

“Numerous players have put forth varying opinions. I find that fantastic. It’s a healthy debate,” Coach Darvin Ham expressed with enthusiasm. “I believe that’s why we can handle these disappointing losses. We confront the problem directly and discover ways to progress.”

The Lakers have won thirteen out of twenty-one games since their last encounter with the Warriors—a tҺrilling 145-144 overtime victory on January 27th.