The Los Angeles Lakers have scratched and clawed their way into the 2023 Playoffs and will now face a tall test in the 2nd-seeded Memphis Grizzlies.
The Lakers are slight underdogs against the Grizzlies, who are favored -135 in the first round. This is the first time in LeBron’s career that he has been an underdog in the first round.
LeUnderdog? 👀
The Grizzlies are currently favored (-135) over the Lakers to win the series on Caesars. pic.twitter.com/kIIlVMmOHR
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 13, 2023
James has only lost one first-round series in his career, which happened against the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 Playoffs after Anthony Davis got injured. LeBron used to be a lock to make it to the NBA Finals every season but now we don’t even know if he can make it past the first round.
Many fans still believe in the Lakers’ championship experience and superior form since the trade deadline will win out, including possible second-round opponent, Draymond Green.
How Likely Is A Lakers Title Run?
Using the statistical projection model from FiveThirtyEight, we can see that they give the Lakers a 43% chance of beating the Grizzlies and advancing to the second round. Anything can happen with odds that close but the probability of the Grizzlies’ winning is ever-so higher.
The Lakers’ odds of advancing to the Conference Finals are at 20% where they would likely face the winner between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors. For a 7th seed, this is a very favorable analysis. The Kings as the 3rd seed have only been given an 18% chance to beat the Warriors and a minuscule 4% chance to make the Conference Finals. For context, the Lakers have a 9% chance to make the NBA Finals and a 3% chance to win it according to FiveThirtyEight.
Battles are not won on the sheets of a statistician, so it’ll be fascinating to see how LeBron James and the Lakers will use their preparedness to overcome a dangerous Grizzlies squad.
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