Lakers rumors: How “Showtime” lineup matches up versus Golden State

Jun 1, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Jazz 115-104. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Jazz 115-104. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Durant vs James Worthy

Alright, get your popcorn ready. After splitting the guard match ups, how the series plays out might come down to the small forwards.

Kevin Durant and James Worthy are two of the greatest players to ever make it to the NBA. While Worthy has more rings than Durant and is a Hall of Fame player, the numbers actually lean in favor of KD.

After leaving Oklahoma City last summer, Durant had a lot to prove still. Joining a team that had just won 73 of 82 games didn’t seem like much of a challenge for a guy that has never backed down from anything.

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Playing against Worthy, Durant would have to know to trust his shot and share the ball if he doesn’t have the best opportunity at the basket.

Creating incredible looks is a feat that Golden State currently does better than nobody else. It doesn’t help their opposition when they can splash three pointers all day or dunk on you.

Worthy would provide good defense on Durant, and that might be enough to stop him over the course of a seven game series. However, Los Angeles would need the best games Worthy has ever played to win that one specific match up.

Durant has Worthy beat in some areas that are truly impressive. Points, rebounds, and assists per game all point to Durant. Golden State’s latest star has an MVP, while Worthy does not.

Kevin Durant also has more All-Star appearances and All-NBA selections.

Edge goes to Durant at small forward.