Lion vs Warlock

How this matchup plays

Picking between these two supports often comes down to deciding if you need instant single-target lockdown or wider teamfight control. Lion brings the immediate disables with Hex and Earth Spike, which are perfect for catching Warlock during the long cast animation of his ultimate. If Warlock can't get Chaotic Offering off, he’s in trouble. Warlock's counter is that very ultimate; if he lands it, the Golem is something Lion can't burst down with Finger of Death. Fatal Bonds also complicates things for Lion by spreading his focused damage across the enemy team, reducing the impact of his combo.

The laning phase is usually a trade of harassment, but fights in the mid-game are determined by who acts first. Lion’s job is to find and eliminate Warlock before he can contribute. A blink dagger into Hex and Finger of Death can remove Warlock from the fight instantly. However, if Warlock gets the jump with a well-placed Golem and Upheaval, Lion’s team gets scattered and slowed, making it impossible for him to get his spells on a key target. The Golem itself is a problem, as it's a big, disruptive body that can run down Lion and his allies.