Warriors seek 'some redemption' vs. Lakers, this time with DeMarcus Cousins

LOS ANGELES -- Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors will be looking for "some redemption" in their rematch against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, and this time they'll have "a devastating force" on their side.

The Warriors bring a seven-game winning streak into Monday's visit to the Lakers, along with DeMarcus Cousins, who will be playing in just his second game since returning from a torn Achilles tendon.

"Such a talented, cerebral player, you can plug him anywhere, he's going to make the right play," Thompson said of Cousins joining the Warriors' potent lineup. "Not many big men can handle the ball, shoot, pass the way he does. With the size he has, a devastating force."

The last time the Warriors and Lakers played, Luke Walton's team crushed the Warriors 127-101 on Christmas Day in Oakland despite losing LeBron James in the third quarter to a groin injury.

"Just want to give some redemption," Thompson said of facing the Lakers again after what happened on Christmas. "Obviously a nice little win streak since. Still gotta have a good memory in this league. Don't want to give a team too much confidence if they beat you twice."

Meanwhile, the Lakers enter this game battered by injuries. James and Rajon Rondo (hand) have not played since that Christmas win over Golden State, and the Lakers lost Lonzo Ball (ankle) Saturday night. All three are out, while the Warriors are just beginning to get whole with Cousins set to make his second start.

"He takes up space, he knocks people around, he gets inside position," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said of Cousins. "He's going to help us in that regard, especially against certain matchups. Tonight he'll help us. [Ivica] Zubac killed us last game, a really skilled big guy in the paint. So we'll need [Cousins] in a lot of different matchups. Like all players he's got strengths, he's got weaknesses. It's our job to accentuate the positive and try to mitigate the weaknesses."

Cousins had an impressive debut against the Clippers on Friday with 14 points, six rebounds and 3-for-4 shooting from 3-point range in 15 minutes before fouling out.

The Warriors can't wait until Cousins returns to his All-Star form.

"Gives us a huge jolt," Thompson said. "Let's get [the winning streak to] double digits, haven't done it all year. That would be real nice. Starts with tonight."

ESPN's Nick Friedell contributed to this report.