Kevin Durant offered insights into why he believes the Los Angeles Lakers are poised to win the In-Season Tournament, highlighting several factors including logistics, that tip the scales in their favor. Despite the Phoenix Suns’ exit after a contentious quarterfinal clash, Durant commended the tournament’s overall impact on the league.
With a smile, Durant stated:
“I’m going to go with the Lakers because they beat us.”
“They’ve got the size to compete with anybody. They’ve got the quickest flight out of anybody. Most fans out of anybody. It’s set up for them to win. I can’t wait to watch it.”
Kevin Durant on who will win in-season tournament with Suns eliminated: “I’m going to go with the Lakers because they beat us. They got the size to compete with anybody. They’ve got the quickest flight out of anybody. The most fans out of anybody. It’s set up for them to win.” pic.twitter.com/ZfbReIToDT
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) December 6, 2023
When pressed to predict the eventual winner, Durant leaned towards the Lakers, the team that had just secured a hard-fought victory against his Phoenix Suns. Citing the Lakers’ formidable size, quick travel arrangements, and passionate fanbase, Durant humorously suggested that the tournament might be tailor-made for the purple and gold.
Suns star also made a pretty fair comment about Austin Reaves and LeBron James’ controversial timeout.
“That’s not the game. That’s one play. It was a 48-minute game. I don’t like complaining about calls. Sometimes the ref isn’t going to get it right all the time. Sometimes it’s on us to play through all of that stuff.”
"That's not the game. That's one play. It was a 48-minute game. I don't like complaining about calls. Sometimes the ref isn't going to get it right all the time. Sometimes it's on us to play through all of that stuff."
Kevin Durant on Austin Reaves play at end of #Suns loss. pic.twitter.com/lqyNe5lqfK
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 6, 2023
Durant initially expressed skepticism about the tournament’s introduction but has since embraced the competitive intensity it brought to an otherwise routine regular season. The NBA superstar acknowledged the thrilling nature of the games and eagerly looked forward to the unfolding tournament drama.
As the Lakers advance to face the New Orleans Pelicans in the semifinals, Durant’s prediction adds an intriguing narrative to the tournament’s climax. The prospect of the Lakers leveraging their strengths to clinch victory, as perceived by Durant, sets the stage for an exciting showdown in Las Vegas. The In-Season Tournament once met with skepticism, now unfolds as a compelling addition to the NBA calendar, bringing unexpected excitement and unpredictability to the mid-season landscape.
The Bucks Are The Lakers’ Biggest Hurdle
As the Los Angeles Lakers advance to the semifinals of the In-Season Tournament in Las Vegas, the path to the Finals seems promising, with the New Orleans Pelicans standing as their immediate hurdle. However, looming on the other side of the bracket are the Milwaukee Bucks, a team that poses a significant challenge and could be the Lakers’ toughest matchup in the tournament.
The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, have showcased their class and are considered favorites to reach the In-Season Tournament Finals. The semifinal clash against the Pelicans offers a favorable matchup for the Lakers, and they enter the game with confidence.
However, the Bucks, boasting the dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, present a formidable obstacle for the Lakers in their quest for tournament glory. Giannis, a two-time NBA MVP, brings a combination of size, athleticism, and skill that can disrupt any opponent’s game plan. Lillard, known for his clutch performances and scoring ability, adds another layer of complexity to the Bucks’ offensive arsenal.
The Lakers, with their defensive prowess and star power, will need to devise a strategy to counter the challenges posed by the Bucks. The potential matchup between these two powerhouse teams in the tournament Finals promises an exciting and closely contested battle.
While the Indiana Pacers have remained undefeated and Tyrese Haliburton has been a standout performer, they are seen as a comparatively easier challenge for the Lakers. The focus remains on navigating through the hurdles presented by the Pelicans in the semis and preparing for a potential clash with the Bucks in the ultimate showdown for In-Season Tournament supremacy and a $500,000 reward for each player.
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