Coming into the 2021 NBA season, the Lakers and Clippers were viewed as the favorites to win the title. Considering the star-power of both teams, it was a pretty fair analysis.
Now that the playoffs have begun, however, both L.A. teams are struggling to overcome their first-round opponents.
For the defending Champs, the health of Anthony Davis has compromised their team, and his absence may prevent them from being able to win another game in the series.
In Clipperland, the heroics of Luka Doncic have nearly put them to bed in the first round, a fate the franchise’s reputation may not be able to endure.
Needless to say, both Los Angeles teams being down 3-2 in round 1 isn’t a scenario many saw coming.
Both LA teams are on the brink of elimination from the NBA playoffs.
Lakers trail the Suns, 3-2
Clippers trail the Mavs, 3-2 pic.twitter.com/FjibloonBC
— ESPN (@espn) June 3, 2021
https://twitter.com/Howie_Back/status/1400317506779291650https://twitter.com/only1wok/status/1400317477012205569
CANCUN ON 3😹😹
— aiden (@aiden__23) June 3, 2021
Bron/Kawhi: pic.twitter.com/tx3HhdVoJZ
— Mike (@m1kephenix) June 3, 2021
At this point, it’s hard to say how things will play out.
On one hand, it’s never a good idea to bet against guys like LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard. Usually, you can count on them to step up when their team needs them most.
But the situation is getting dire, and it will take a monster effort from the stars for either team to pull through.
Looks like that “battle for LA” is really a battle of who can get out of the first round.
