Would you look at this week's matchups? We have some possible previews here in the first round of the playoffs. The Lakers are sitting pretty on top of the #1 seed in the West. As for the #8 seed, it's a four-way race and two of them are featured here this week: the New Orleans Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies. Both teams are headlined by two standout rookies in Zion Williamson of the Pelicans and Ja Morant of the Grizzlies. Though the Lakers had the upper hand in the regular season series so far, it's highly likely the Lakers will see either one of these teams in the playoffs. The Lakers have rode high in the past month of February. Let's see how they fare heading as March is here and the playoff push gets even more intense.
02/25: vs. New Orleans 109-118 [W] (44-12)
It was long overdue to finally see a 'Bron vs. Zion marquee matchup! The standout rookie from Duke had a solid outing in the preseason before a meniscus injury pushed back his anticipated NBA debut. Since his debut at the beginning of the year, he's been as advertised and found himself back in the R.O.T.Y. (Rookie of the Year) race when it all seemed like Ja Morant from Memphis was running away with it. Zion Williamson's hype compared to that of LeBron James and it was going to be quite the matchup.
But, not once this game was LeBron assigned to defend Zion. However, both put on quite the show. Zion racked up 29 points and "wowed" the Staples Center crowd with his thunderous power dunks. But LeBron shined brighter as he did throughout his 17 years, dropping a season high 40 points. The highlight of the night was when he baptized poor Josh Hart. That was not only the noteworthy highlight of the game. The other one? The Carushow with the vicious block on Lonzo Ball and taking over in the 4th quarter. It was a game of runs from start to finish, but the Lakers came out on top and once again denying Zo, B.I., and Josh Hart sweet revenge. As for AD, the 'Brow had an off night shooting against his former team, but still lead the "SWAT" team with 6 blocks.
02/27: @ Golden State 116-86 [W] (45-12)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9Hd6nrJnYH/
Would you look at the link that I just put up? I was at this game! This one of the perks if you're working in The City like I am. But luckily, the Lakers had one more trip to SF and I didn't miss out on an opportunity for this beauty of a game. It was my first live NBA game as well.
Now, time to talk about this game. The last time the Lakers and Warriors met at Chase Center, the Dubs gave the LakeShow a run for their money. So, this spelled "trap game" for the Lakers. To further escalate this, LeBron was ruled out with a sore groin and the last time they played without LeBron, the Lakers got blown out. However, this ain't the Denver Nuggets they were playing. The Lakers were playing an injury-riddled Warriors team with a roster consisting of rookies and G-Leaguers.
To give the Warriors credit, they did hang around in the first half sans Draymond Green getting tossed out early in the game. I got that on video and I was laughing my butt off much to the dismay of a couple of Dub Nation fans around me. But, by the 3rd quarter, the onslaught commenced. It's an encouraging sign when Anthony Davis doesn't have to play 30+ mins and carry the team without LeBron. Rajon Rondo came alive in that 3rd quarter and set the tone with his aggressive play. Playoff Rondo was alive this game. Kyle Kuzma stepped up with 18 points. He took over in that 2nd quarter. Kuz attacked the Warriors' defense all game long and they didn't have an answer once he spins his way to the basket. Chase Center turned into North Staples Center this game. It was fun to experience the Purple and Gold takeover in an opposition's building.
02/29: @ Memphis 88-105 [L] (45-13)
Not a way you want to end a spectacular month of February Lakers basketball. However, give credit where credit is due, the Grizzlies punched the Lakers in the mouth this game. LeBron was back in the lineup and Frank Vogel gave Alex Caruso the nod to start to fill in for an injured Danny Green, but the changes weren't enough. The Grizzlies got off to a hot 6-0 start. Based on the highlights, you can tell that they wanted to make a statement. If you look at the Grizzlies out of late, of course Ja Morant has been solid for them. But Dillon Brooks is catching fire in scoring and Jonas Valanciunas is crashing the boards. He almost outrebounded the entire Lakers team with 20 boards. Morant had a nice outing with 27 points and 14 assists and Brooks dropped 24 points. The Lakers looked flat this game. It was a quiet offensive outing as they were held to 88 points, their season low. I do remember Morant's statement that they could knock off the Lakers if they hold on to the 8th seed in the West. Well, the proved they can hang this game. But, it's a whole different ball game to hang with them in a 7-game series. It'll be an interesting finish with the Pelicans, Blazers, and Spurs behind them also vying for that #8 spot.
03/01: @ New Orleans 122-114 [W] (46-13)
The Lakers had an ugly loss last night in Memphis. In New Orleans on back-to-back nights, they locked in and persevered against the adversity. No AD nor Caruso this game and they still pulled off the W against the upstarting Pelicans. It was LeBron-Zion II on this week. In the first meeting, there were not too many one-on-one highlights. But, there was more action here between the two. Zion had a little shake and bake move with LeBron guarding him. And LeBron drained a crowd-silencing three over the rookie in return. As usual, both dropped 30+ points, but LeBron showed why he's still the best player in the world with a 34 pts, 12 rebs, and 13 asts triple-double. Kyle Kuzma drew the start in place of AD with 20 points and JaVale McGee picked it up for the "SWAT team" with 5 blocks this game. With the Lakers sweeping the season series vs. the Pelicans, it's safe to say they won Round 1 of the Anthony Davis trade for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart. However, this Pelicans team is on the rise with a lot of good, young pieces that have yet to hit their prime.
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