The matchup is set. See you on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/Fjm6ic28wb
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 15, 2020
It's official.
LAKERS vs BLAZERS Round 1
Tuesday, 6PM PT. pic.twitter.com/Bm2szrl5qY
— LAKERFANATICS (@LAKERFANATICS) August 15, 2020
The matchup is set. See you on Tuesday.
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August 15, 2020 2 Comments
Given that the Blazers stars are playing heavy minutes up to this point, the Lakers goal should be to wear them out in the first three games and take care of destiny. Lillard and CJ are showing signs of wear and tear and are pretty much gassed. Those two are the head of the snake, and when you cut off the head there is nothing else to worry about. But because they are facing the Lakers, that alone will give them extra motivation, and the Lakers should come ready to thwart that. Anything less will only prolong the series.
That said, I have several concerns regarding the Lakers heading into this matchup.
1: Foul trouble should be avoided especially at the center position. We will need our centers to fully engage throughout the series.
2: The Lakers must make sure every free throw is accounted for. Let’s make it a decent percentage or at least above average.
3: Turnovers should be kept to a minimum. They have been a problem for us throughout the season.
4: Our 3 point shooting needs to be decent and above average in order to keep our morale high.
Finally, the fact that we can count on Kuzma and Waiters to help carry the scoring load should give us hope. But it’s everybody’s job to show up.
It has been a decade since we last made the playoffs, but man, Tuesday can’t get here fast enough. Looking forward to a fun series.
Excellent comment, Buba. I think you’re absolutely right that Dame and CJ are exhausted both physically and mentally from all the hard work and pressure just to get to this series. Lakers can deliver what should be close to a knock-out punch in games 1 and 2, which should crush Portland’s spirit since there is no returning home in these bubble playofffs.