After having their championship hopes estinguished by the Thunder three weeks ago, the Lakers have impressively rebounded and could lock up a 2nd round rematch with OKC with a 1st round win over Houston tonight.
The Lakers’ improbable turnaround after being throttled twice by the Thunder and losing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to injury has been nothing short of miraculous and a testament to JJ Redick’s coaching. After losing Doncic and Reaves, the Lakers led by LeBron James, Marcus Smart, and Luke Kennard have won 5 straight games — three regular season meaningless blowouts and two stunning playoff upsets over the Rockets.
If the Lakers beat the Rockets tonight, they will take a 3–0 lead that no team in the history of the NBA has been able to overcome. Complicating the situation, Durant reportedly is now questionable due to an ankle issue.
While everybody thought the Lakers were doomed when Doncic and Reaves went down, it now appears the basketball gods were just testing them. Having passed test, LA could now get their stars back for OKC.
While the Lakers path to another NBA championship is daunting, there’s a reason they play the games. Already, there’s already a possibility Jalen Williams will miss some of all of the 2nd round with a hamstring injury.
Parity and injuries could even derail the Thunder’s quest for back-to-back titles and the Lakers’ elite play sans Luka and Austin will only make them stronger and more confident should they meet OKC in the 2nd round.
But the Lakers first have to beat the Rockets. While the Lakers boast the #5 offense, #4 defense, and #3 net rating of the 16 playoff teams, the sample size is just two playoff games and all they’ve done is just hold home court.
Frankly, regardless of how LA does vs. OKC, beating Houston without their best two scorers/playmakers would likely mean Pelinka’s and Redick’s job’s were secure and LeBron James would be most likely be returning to LA.
The Lakers should not be looking to extend this series anymore. Tonight, they need to put their foot on the gas and go for the Rockets’ juglar. Win tonight and you lock up the series. Win tonight and rest for Thunder!
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