SAN FRANCISCO — Although the Los Angeles Lakers aren't the surefire title contender most thought they would be before the season began, they are still a team that excites people. Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson always looks forward to playing the Lakers, and even though they aren't as good as expected this year, that hasn't changed.

“Oh yeah, especially when my dad’s here,” Thompson told ClutchPoints on Thursday after his team's loss to the New York Knicks. “Just growing up what that team meant to me, watching Kobe [Bryant], watching Shaq [Shaquille O’Neal], watching old ‘Showtime' clips. I always get excited to play the Lakers. Some of my best memories of life are just going with my dad when I was in high school, sitting with him in his booth and watching him call the games, watching Kobe play. It’s always awesome playing your hometown team.”

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The Warriors face LeBron James and the Lakers on Saturday in a game that's must-see TV. Winning this game would be good for either team. The Lakers are struggling to figure things out with Russell Westbrook and other new pieces, while the Warriors are striving to keep with the Phoenix Suns at the top of the Western Conference during Draymond Green's absence.

This game has everything you need for an exciting game. It's full of NBA stars like Stephen Curry, Thompson, James, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis. No matter what their records are, this is the game to watch on Saturday. It will be the first time in two seasons that Thompson gets to face his hometown team.

Get your popcorn ready.