USA Today via Reuters
May 23, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
May 23, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
The defending champions Los Angeles Lakers face off against the Phoenix Suns for the second game of their postseason run. This game is scheduled to be held at 10:00 PM EST.
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The Lakers continued their offensive struggles against the Suns in game 1 as they succumbed to a 99-90 defeat. Multiple players struggled for the Lakers, especially their superstar Anthony Davis.
Despite being known as one of the best forwards in the game, Davis could not make any significant impact on the floor as he didn’t dominate the paint.
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He also struggled to score the basket, shooting 5 of 16 attempted shots. LeBron James also seemed sluggish. After a hot start, LBJ became more of a distributor and did not attack the paint as he usually does.
While their defense did have a decent enough performance, the Lakers have to use their size and limit DeAndre Ayton. The Lakers desperately need their superstars Anthony Davis and LeBron James to step up offensively. Will the Lakers be able to do the same?
USA Today via Reuters
May 23, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts alongside Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half during game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Phoenix Suns, meanwhile, had a perfect start to their playoff run. Playoff debutants Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton had monstrous games, scoring 34 and 21 points, respectively.
With amazing offense from Booker, CP3 and Ayton, and some excellent defending by Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson, the Suns limited the star-studded Lakers to 90 points only.
Despite their veteran point guard suffering from a shoulder injury, Devin Booker showed how good he really is as he carried the team to a victory. The Suns need to repeat this kind of performance if they want to clinch the second game in a row.
Predictions
This second game is crucial for both teams. While the Suns will try to use their home-court advantage, the Lakers will look to take their team back into the series within.
Given that CP3 might not be 100% and the champions’ track record from last year’s playoffs, we might see a dominant return from the Lakers in game 2. The Suns might be in amazing form, but with the ability to perform in high-pressure situations, the Lakers might steal game 2 from the Suns.
Los Angeles Lakers: Injury updates and lineup prediction
The defending champions do not have any major injury concerns for game 2 against the Suns. Starting center Andre Drummond is questionable with a foot injury while others are available.
USA Today via Reuters
May 23, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) is fouled by Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) as he drives to the basket against Chris Paul (3) and forward Jae Crowder (99) in the second half during game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers are clearly struggling off late, and a big part of this has been the starting five. With the lack of good enough shooters and a player like Andre Drummond clogging up the lane, LeBron James and Anthony Davis haven’t been dominant.
While Frank Vogel might stick with Drummond in the five, he should consider playing Marc Gasol in the series as he can space the floor.
Probable Lineups
Dennis Schroder (G)
Kentavious Caldwell Pope (G)
LeBron James (F)
Anthony Davis (F)
Andre Drummond (C)
Phoenix Suns: Injury updates and lineup prediction
The Suns have some minor injury concerns. Guard Langston Galloway is sidelined due to personal reasons while rotational guard Abdel Nader is recovering from a knee injury and is out indefinitely. Point God Chris Paul is questionable against the Lakers as he recovers from a shoulder injury.
USA Today via Reuters
May 23, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell (15) fights Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne in the second half during game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Given how they performed in the first game of the series, the Suns will be confident that they can be victorious in the series and win their second consecutive home game against the Lake show.
Probable Lineup
Chris Paul (G)
Devin Booker (G)
Mikal Bridges (F)
Jae Crowder (F)
DeAndre Ayton (C)
Who will win game two of the Lakers and Suns series? Let us know in the comments section down below.
