The Los Angeles Lakers caught a bit of a break in their play-in game against the short-handed Timberwolves, and their streak of fortune continued in Game 1 after Ja Morant left the game early and led to a Lakers win.
Morant is expected to return at some point, as there were reportedly no fractures or breaks, but nobody knows his status for Game 2. For his part, Lakers coach Darvin Ham says he’s going to keep his guys ready for all scenarios heading into Wednesday’s pivotal matchup.
“I mean, we just prepare as if he’s playing,” said Ham via Dave McMenamin. “We don’t try to assume anything or try to make any predictions. We just make sure we cover Plan A, Plan B. Plan A he plays, Plan B, what type of adjustments they’ll make.”
Lakers coach Darvin Ham on preparing for Game 2 with Ja Morant's status unclear: "I mean, we just prepare as if he’s playing. We don’t try to assume anything or try to make any predictions. We just make sure we cover Plan A, Plan B. Plan A he plays, Plan B, what type of…
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 18, 2023
Morant was a big factor for Memphis in the series opener, dropping 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists on 57% shooting before his injury. Obviously, if he’s not available at all for Game 2, it’ll be a pretty big blow to the Grizzlies, who are facing a trip to Los Angeles down 2-0 in the series.
Do The Lakers Have An Easy Path To The Finals?
If Ja is compromised for the rest of the playoffs, it could set the Lakers up for an easy road to the Semi-FInals, where a series against the inexperienced Kings or struggling Golden State Warriors would await them.
The truth is, with a healthy LeBron James and Anthony Davis, this Lakers team has a real shot against anyone.
“If you actually look at it now, damn, the Lakers that was the easiest path to the Conference Finals and you’re gonna see because they’re gonna be in the Conference Finals,” said Charles Barkley. “I’d rather be in the Play-In and play one bad team at home. Ask the Lakers how they feel right now. The Clippers got a tougher road because they have to go through the Suns and Denver.”
Easy or not, the Lakers are going to need several things to go their way if they are to make a run to the Finals. With only one game in the books so far, it’s still too early to say if things will fall the right way for this group.
But the Lakers have enough experience to know they cannot take it easy now. They must keep the urgency, intensity, and confidence they’ve been playing with since the trade deadline.
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