Lakers vs. Warriors Preview: Gut check time

The Lakers will face the Golden State Warriors for the third time in a span of a month and this time, health will be on the side of the defending champions. As if this game isn’t already going to be challenging enough for Los Angeles without LeBron James (and possibly D’Angelo Russell), the Warriors are likely going to have Steph Curry back in their lineup after missing 10 games due to a knee injury.

Golden State has more treaded water in Curry’s absence, as they’ve managed to win six out of their last 10 games without their best player (ironically, two of those losses were handed out by the Lakers). The Lakers, meanwhile, have looked like a flawed team in James’ absence, and are 1-2 in…