The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on Monday.

The Warriors (6-6) come into this matchup in the midst of a two-game losing streak, taking defeats at the hands of the Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets. Those are certainly not losses to be ashamed of either, with Golden State playing great the week prior. In fact, the Warriors won six of their previous eight games before that and Stephen Curry was the talk of the league. The former MVP is currently averaging 28.4 points and 6.8 assists per game, garnering him consideration for that award this season. Many people really weren't sure what to think of this team at the beginning of the season but having Curry play like this is an extremely encouraging sign. What makes it even juicier is the fact that James Wiseman appears to be the steal of the draft and Klay Thompson is finally doing rehab. So, while this might not be their season, this is a team to look out for next year.

The Lakers (11-3) took care of business by taking home the title last season and they appear to be in form once again. After starting off the season with a disappointing 2-2 record, they've gone on to win nine of 10 since. What's really impressive is that they've been killing teams on both ends of the floor, ranked seventh in points scored, second in points allowed and third in total rebounding. What makes that even more wild is the fact that they haven't even been playing their best ball, coasting at times in some of their wins. That's the nature of being a great team though and as long as they continue to bombard their opponents, this club will remain the favorites to repeat.

These teams played three times last season, with Los Angeles sweeping the season series. In fact, they won by an average of 20.3 points per game, despite the Warriors winning their previous three over the Lakers.