NFL
By Christopher Jordan
The Los Angeles Lakers ride high to the conference semifinals after a big performance over the Memphis Grizzles.
After a tough loss to the Grizzles in game 5, the Lakers knew they needed to redeem themselves going into game 6.
The Los Angeles Lakers came with a clip on the shoulder and never looked back. It started with the play of Anthony Davis because his energy was unmatched from start to finish.
Throughout the series, Davis’s play had been up and down for the most part. So, Davis knew what to do for his team going into game 6.
Davis didn’t have the flashiest numbers, but his impact on the defensive side of the ball rubbed off on the Lakers as a whole because the Lakers frustrated the Memphis Grizzles throughout the game.
The LA Lakers, as a team, had 15 blocks, and Davis led the team with five blocks. For the series: Anthony Davis had 26 blocks, tied for the second most in a playoff series in Los Angeles Lakers history.
LeBron James made sure the Lakers had the appropriate urgency for a closeout game playoff game. Coming into the game, James had never lost a series when he has a 3-1 lead, so after game 5, James knew game 6 was a must-win because if they had lost game 6 the Lakers would’ve had to play a game 7 back in the Memphis.
James was coming off a bad performance in game 5, so in game 6, James was in attack mode from the start. James finished the game with 22 points on 9-of-13 from the field.
When the Lakers are locked in, they have the talent to beat anytime in a seven-game series, and the Lakers have some momentum going into the conference semifinals.
The Los Angeles has a good supporting cast that’s not afraid of the moment, and they put the entire Western conference of notice against the Grizzles.
Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell all played big against the Grizzles, and their production will be needed moving forward in the playoffs.
Reaves averaged 16.5 points per game, and his been the Lakers’ third most important player since the trade deadline. Reaves has arrived as someone who embraced the moment and will continue to play this way for the Lakers.
Hachimura averaged 14.5 points per game off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers. Hachimura has been a two-way player for the Lakers, and his play is needed if the Lakers want to contend for a championship.
Russell averaged 16.7 points per game. Russell has been a saint for the Lakers since his arrival after the trade deadline. Russell’s playmaking ability and shot-making ability have been crucial for the Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers will be playing the defending NBA champions Golden State Warriors.
The Lakers will have their hands full: playing the Warriors because the Warriors are led by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, Steve Kerr, and a good supporting cast.
The LA Lakers will need to be at their best, and that’s the play of Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Davis will need to be the best player for the Lakers if they want to win this series because the Warriors don’t have anyone on their roster to stop him.
James needs to continue doing what he always does: making his team better: and raising his play when the moment gets bigger.
This series will come down to, which team supporting cast plays better, and coaching will be a deciding factor.
Game 1 between the Lakers and Warriors will be on Tuesday at 10:00 P.M. eastern time.
