The teams met on Nov. 1 and the Warriors destroyed the Lakers, 127-104, at home. Now the scene shifts to Staples Center, but nothing has changed.

The Warriors have far too much firepower for the Lakers. LA can't stop the Warriors' fast break. The Warriors scored 19 more points than the Lakers in transition during the first meeting. Stephen Curry against Jeremy Lin is a huge point guard mismatch for the Warriors.

The line is reduced a little because the Warriors played last night. But Golden State didn't have to play anyone more than 30 minutes in blowing out Charlotte, 112-87, at home. It's just a short plane ride from northern California to southern California.

Kobe Bryant continues to hurt the Lakers with his ball-hogging and horrendous shooting. Bryant is shooting just 31.8 percent from the floor during his last four games. Yes, the prideful Bryant could get hot, but he has no help. The Warriors are far deeper and more explosive. They also don't share any love for the Lakers, who bullied them for many years.