LeBron Jamesvs.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Austin Reaves vs. Cason Wallace.
Deandre Ayton vs. Chet Holmgren.
TheLakers vs. Thunderis about asDavid vs. Goliathas it gets when it pits Hollywood’s teamwithout the NBA’s leading scoreragainst the defending champions who are approaching history.
California Post sports reporters Khobi Price, Melissa Rohlin and Michael Duarte answer the most pressing questions of the Western Conference semifinals and include a prediction in the end.
Price:Yes – even verrrryyyyyy slim chances are still a chance. Even though the Rockets were without star forward Kevin Durant for five of six games, the Lakers’ first round playoff series victory showcased their resiliency and adaptability with Luka Doncic sidelined for the entire series and Austin Reaves out for four of the six games. Obviously, the Thunder aremuchbetter than the Rockets. They’ve had the best player and have been the best team in the league the last two seasons. But the Lakers still have a chance even if it doesn’t feel like it.
Rohlin:No.As Lakers coach JJ Redick said at Sunday’s practice, the Thunder are “one of the greatest teams ever in NBA history.” The Lakers are not. The Lakers may have stunned us all by getting past the Rockets in the first round, but the Thunder are a completely different caliber of basketball team. The Thunder’s defense is too good. And the Lakers will be without Doncic and his NBA-leading 33.5 points at least at the beginning of the series. I don’t see how the Lakers can pull this one off.
California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.
Duarte:This reminds me of the scene in “Dumb and Dumber,” when Lloyd Christmas, played by Jim Carrey asks the married Mary Swanson what are the chances that they end up together?
“Not good. I’d say more like one in a million,” she answers. “So you’re telling me there’s a chance!” he replies happily.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
