USA Today via Reuters
Aug 24, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates after scoring a three pointer with center JaVale McGee (7) and forward Anthony Davis (3) in the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers in game four of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 24, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates after scoring a three pointer with center JaVale McGee (7) and forward Anthony Davis (3) in the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers in game four of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The basketball gods have brewed up something special during these playoffs. The playoff journey set for the Los Angeles Lakers is awfully similar to something we’ve seen over a decade ago. Long time Lakers fan Snoop Dogg posted about it on Instagram.
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In 2009, the Lakers beat the Rockets in the 2nd round of the playoffs, just like it happened in this season. They also faced the Nuggets in the Conference Finals, and the Lakers are about to play Game 1 against them tonight. And finally, the Lakers finished their title campaign in Orlando after beating the Magic, and now the Lakers are competing to win the title in the Orlando bubble.
Can the Lakers recreate history?
Led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis now, the Lakers are two stages away from repeating history. But it’s not going to be easy. The Nuggets have been a dark horse and after upstaging the Clippers, they have proved that they’re not just a pushover. The Lakers will have to be at their best or they risk getting taken down by the Nuggets juggernaut.
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 19, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap (center) is congratulated by center Nikola Jokic (left) and guard Jamal Murray (27) against the Utah Jazz in game two of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Even if they beat them, the Lakers have a tougher task in the NBA Finals. As it stands, they will mostly face the Miami Heat, who are currently 2-0 up against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Heat have lost just one game in the playoffs so far and have been in inspired form.
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USA Today via Reuters
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) celebrates with forward Kelly Olynyk (9) and guard Goran Dragic (7) after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in game two of the second round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at The Field House. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
If the Lakers end up facing the Heat, they will need a vintage LeBron performance to propel them to the title. At the same time, they also need Davis to continue his exceptional form.
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LeBron James has a lot of expectations to live up to
This could be LeBron’s best chance to win a title with the Lakers. He’ll be 36 next year and although he’ll still manage to be one of the best in the league, the same can’t be said about the old squad around him.
The Lakers not only have the favorites tag that puts them under pressure but also the expectation to win it for Kobe. They have played like champions so far and will hope to maintain this momentum.
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