The Lakers are in a real, live playoff series for the first time in a couple of seasons, and it should be a barnburner! It's the Memphis Grizzlies, who have played quite well all season, save a mid-season lull. It's an intriguing matchup, to say the least. LeBron James and Anthony Davis as established stars, meeting Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., who are ready to emerge in the next generation of the NBA elite.
But what else is going on, here?
How are the Grizzlies going to match up against LeBron and A.D.? Is Dillon Brooks the key to the series? What about the Lakers role players? How much will L.A.'s perimeter shooting impact what we're going to see. Can Austin Reaves, Malik Beasley and the rest hit enough shots to force Memphis to play things straight defensively?
The ability of either team to do damage in transition could be a huge factor, as neither team is exactly elegant in the half court. Both teams thrive on the move, so forcing turnovers will be a big factor, and from the Lakers end, shooting a credible percentage from the perimeter, and getting to the free throw line (which is a transition killer for the opposition) will be huge.
Finally, how will the Lakers defend Ja? Because while the Grizzlies seem to have a natural player to throw at LeBron (Brooks), the Lakers don't necessarily have a corresponding player for Morant.
Lots of chess to be played, and it's worth asking if Lakers fans have more confidence in Darvin Ham than Grizzlies fans do in Taylor Jenkins.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Joe Mullinax and DaMichael Cole!
SEGMENT 1: The energy around the series, with two teams that have never met in the postseason.
SEGMENT 2: What's the deal with Dillon Brooks? How are the Grizzlies going to guard LeBron and A.D.? Is their defense tailor made for defending LA?
SEGMENT 3: Can the Lakers hit enough shots from the perimeter to keep the Grizzlies honest? Which team can get out in transition enough to gain an advantage? Where are the mismatches?
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