In one of the most anticipated first-round matchups in the playoffs this season, the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Portland Trail Blazers tonight. Not only is it a battle between some of the best players in the league, but it is also a battle between two close friends. Carmelo Anthony will be pitted against his long-time friend, LeBron James.

During a playoff preview interview, Melo was asked about this upcoming matchup with LeBron.

“It’s a chess game,” he said. “It’s more of a mental challenge than a physical challenge. Just studying the game, studying him, and the way that they play. My emphasis is not just on him, it’s on the Lakers as a whole. They are a great team, number one in the West for a reason. They have other assets on the team that can do certain things.”

Carmelo Anthony says this game is not about the Lakers

Despite being the eighth seed, the Blazers come into this game with better momentum. Since the start of the seeding games, they have only lost twice and have been on a mission. After beating the Grizzlies in the play-in tournament, they earned their spot in the playoffs.

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Talking about Game 1 of the series, he said, “Game 1 is like a boxing match. Jab, jab, jab, see the pace, see what adjustments we would have to make to fill the game out. Our mentality, we’re coming in and trying to win. It’s not about LeBron or the Lakers it’s about us. That’s what we can control.”

After playing just 10 times in the 2018-19 season, Melo was taken in by the Blazers for this season. And he hasn’t disappointed. He has contributed with his experience, scoring, and his clutch genes on the court. Teammate Damian Lillard lauded him after their win against the Rockets in the seeding games, calling him a Hall of Famer.

Melo and the Blazers have been on a roll and they have the potential to upset the one seed Lakers. Their form in the bubble has been contrasting to the Lakers, who have been struggling in the Bubble so far. This series will undoubtedly be the most intense and competitive first-round matchups in the playoffs.