LeBron James: Lakers, Warriors Getting 'Ready For The Regular Season'

LeBron James believes both the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are getting "ready for the regular season," given how their preseason game played out.

Using their full rotation for the first time, the Lakers defeated the Warriors in a 123-113 victory at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Wednesday night to take their preseason record to 2-3.

James played just 18 minutes but was able to finish the game with 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, which included a number of highlights as can be seen below.

Brandon Ingram scored a game-high 26 points while Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also contributed with 22 and 20 points respectively for the Los Angeles side.

As for the Warriors, who were notably playing without Draymond Green, Stephen Curry was their leading scorer with 23 points as well as five assists in 26 minutes of play.

Klay Thompson meanwhile, posted 20 points and five rebounds while Kevin Durant notched up 18 points, 12 rebounds and three assists in a highly-competitive game between the two California teams.

Is it a sign of things to come in the upcoming season, particularly in the Western Conference where the two sides could meet during the playoffs?

"I just think both teams are just trying to sharpen their swords and get ready for the regular season," James said after the game. "Both teams are getting energetic, running the floor extremely well, shared the ball extremely well and just trying to play the game the right way."

Despite the flashes of brilliance during preseason in the James era, the Lakers were just 1-3 heading into this game with the 33-year-old not featuring in the 103-87 defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers over the weekend.

However, their performance against the reigning champions was probably their best so far and it's a result of continued practice for the newly-formed roster according to James.

"Because it was our next game and we've been practicing very well," James said when asked why this was the best game so far. "It was the next game and we want to try to continue to implement what we've been doing in practice to a game situation and I think we did that tonight."

Lonzo Ball returned to action for the first time during the game since his offseason knee surgery which allowed the Lakers to play a full rotation.

Much was made about him playing alongside James leading up to the contest and despite a shaky start, he improved during the game and even finished off a James-assisted alley-oop.

"I thought those first few minutes were definitely rough on his wind, getting back in a game situation," James added with a smile. "But he settled in, his ability to see the floor, push the ball, his athleticism as you saw in the lob catch from myself and just defensively, some very, very quick hands so it's great to have him back on the floor."

The Lakers will face the Warriors once again in their final preseason game on Friday at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. They will then begin their 2018/19 campaign against the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 18.