What happened: Kevon Looney discussed facing Stephen Curry from the opposite side after years as teammates. Looney said knowing Curry's tendencies does little to slow him: "Even if you know what's going to happen, it's still hard to stop.

Why it matters: The matchup comes as Looney opens his first season in Los Angeles after signing in July. The same Looney embracing front-and-center billing as a Laker now draws a central defensive test against Golden State's offense.

What to watch: Opening tip will show how Los Angeles deploys Looney against Curry actions. His minutes and switching assignments bear watching early.