The champions Los Angeles Lakers are facing off against the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs. Interestingly, despite their legendary careers overlapping significantly, this is the first time LeBron James is facing Chris Paul in the playoffs.

Given the impact both Bron and CP3 bring to the court, this match-up between the Lakers and the Suns is certainly one of the most intriguing series in the first round.

The series between the Lakers and the Suns got off to a cracking start as the Suns absolutely dominated the champions with debutants Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton putting up a combined 55 points.

The second seed Phoenix looked unstoppable, as they took advantage of their home court in the first game. But the Lakers came soaring back in game 2 and have tied the series. With 1-1, this first-round playoff match-up is finely poised and is a must watch for everyone.

Former NBA champion explains why Anthony Davis was the game changer for the Lakers

One of the biggest differences in both the games was the performance of Anthony Davis. After scoring 13 points, the Brow made a huge comeback, scoring a game high 34 points in the 109-102 victory for the champions.

Former champion Richard Hamilton spoke about the same. The former Pistons guard, in a recent interview, revealed why Davis was so effective in the second game of the series.

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“I thought that in game one, he was kind of like allergic to the paint. Shot a lot of shots from the perimeter, didn’t get to the basket, and the Lakers need him to dominate the paint.”

Hamilton also spoke about how teammates Dennis Schroder and LeBron James also helped Davis bring the best out of his game.

“I thought that Dennis Schroder’s play out on the floor with just keeping guys off balance on a perimeter allowed AD to roam on a perimeter knocking down wide open threes and putting them a pick and roll situations.

“When LeBron James is knocking down a jump shot, it makes the role a lot better for Anthony Davis. I just thought he was huge. He took on the challenge. That’s what great players do. You might have one bad game but you always respond to next game and I felt that AD came and responded.”

The Lakers certainly need Davis to be in top form in these playoffs if they want to repeat this season. With LeBron James taking the reins as a facilitator, AD becomes the go to scoring option for the Lakers. Will the Brow step up for the champions and lead them to a repeat?