"The Warriors, playing without two starters, concluded their winless three-game trip with a 97-90 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.

Golden State (2-5) has dropped four straight and heads home to face Utah on Saturday trying keep things from spiraling out of control while it gets healthy, builds team chemistry and learns how to win.

"It's a long season," Warriors guard Monta Ellis said after totaling 18 points and 10 assists. "We're going to turn that corner eventually. It's just a learning experience right now. ... We're right there, man. I feel strong about my team."

The Warriors played without starting point guard Stephen Curry, who sprained his right ankle on Wednesday against San Antonio and is out indefinitely. He is set to be evaluated Saturday. Starting center Andris Biedrins also missed the game with a sprained right ankle he suffered Wednesday.

The Warriors hung close before caving down the stretch -- which became the pattern throughout the trip.

The Lakers had their way in the second half. Led by 17 points from Kobe Bryant, who finished with 39 points on 28 shots, the Lakers outscored the Warriors 32-19 in the third quarter. That turned Golden State's 39-35 halftime advantage into a 67-58 deficit entering the fourth quarter."