Memphis swingman Dillon Brooks has a well-earned reputation as a Grade A pest/agitator on the floor, and after the Grizzlies won Game 2, he took some shots at LeBron James. He called the NBA's all-time leading scorer "old." He said he doesn't respect anyone until they drop 40 points on him. He said he's poking the bear, and he knows it.
So what does any of this mean for Game 3? Is it performance art from Brooks, meant to get himself in the mindspace he thinks he needs to be in? Brand building? Both? Or does he really think he's going to get inside LeBron's head?
And if he does, is there any chance it works? Because, to be fair, Brooks is super annoying. Would you expect LeBron to play any differently than he normally would? And might normally mean going off for a big number because Game 3 is so critical?
Meanwhile, what ought the Lakers look to fix in Game 3, beyond coming out with more intensity and effort? Because that was obviously lacking in Memphis on Wednesday. Start with turnovers. Limit them, not just because they cost the Lakers opportunities to score, but because it lets Memphis - not a great half court team - get out and run against a Lakers defense otherwise doing a good job stopping them. Also, pick up the pace. That doesn't mean fast break, necessarily, but playing with better rhythm on offense. Less standing. More moving. Faster decisions. Particularly Anthony Davis.
Finally, Austin Reaves picked up some votes for Sixth Man of the Year, in a bit of a surprise. Likely, it's his last opportunity to do that, at least as a Laker.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: More numbers that reveal why Wednesday's loss was such a wasted opportunity.
SEGMENT 2: Brooks vs. LeBron. Any shot Brooks gets inside the King's head?
SEGMENT 3: What the Lakers need to do better on Saturday.
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