I respectfully disagree with this. 1. I don’t think you tempt things and risk missing out altogether. 2. You’re likely going to have to play Denver anyway, so do it now while you’re healthier. 3. If you lose again, you KNOW changes have to happen. https://t.co/K9CscKSzrj
— Matt (@SportsMatt12) April 15, 2024
Lakers Should NOT Throw Game Against Pelicans
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April 15, 2024 3 Comments
When you disrespect the game, the game will ultimately come back and disrespect you. We’ve got no business losing to NOP after absolutely beating the brakes off them in 2 games that mattered so far this season. Can’t walk into the playoffs admitting TO YOURSELF that you’re scared to face any team….you’ve already lost.
But from a strictly strategic standpoint, we play the early game so we won’t even know if we’re getting SAC or GSW in the losers bracket.
The draw didn’t shake out in our favor like it did last season…I mean.. who saw the Nuggs losing to the Spurs with the #1 seed firmly in their grasp. OKC woulda been a great 1st round matchup for us but the cookie didn’t crumble our way. Like I said before, to BE the man you got to BEAT the man. Let’s get it over with and see where we stand.
In the end, the Lakers were going to have to play the Nuggets at some point and playing them in the first round could actually benefit the Lakers who are playing their best basketball right now.
I still contend that the Lakers have been in every game against the Nuggets the past two years and they will have a healthier James and Davis and a bigger and deeper starting lineup this year.
Finally, if the Lakers can beat the Nuggets in Round 1, their path to meet the Celtics in the Finals would suddenly become much easier. We’re healthy and playing our best basketball.
Take care of business tomorrow, get off until Saturday, and then put the DEN to bed in round 1, move on to MIN in round 2, OKC in conf finals, and BOS in NBA Finals. Beat Nuggets for open path to Celtics.
https://twitter.com/AlexmRegla/status/1779636257892753826