The Los Angeles Lakers are seen as one of the biggest favorites to win the title this year after the moves they made in the offseason. The team’s front office teamed up Anthony Davis with LeBron James and brought a group of players that were playing just fine before the suspension in March.
They’re ready to keep their dominance at the bubble but some people believe they could have a very difficult rival in the Portland Trail Blazers should the latter make the postseason next month. More and more people around the NBA community is confident that the Blazers can surprise more than one team in the bubble. Now former Cleveland Cavalier Channing Frye has made the case for Portland, explaining why they have a big chance to upset the Purple and Gold.
“Rondo going down is huge for the Lakers, because playoff Rondo, and everyone says it, and I’ve seen it, is a absolute different beast,” Frye said. “I don’t care if anybody agrees or not. I’m telling you this. Playoff Rondo would have been difficult for Damian Lillard or CJ (C.J. McCollum). Whichever one he’s guarding. But now that he’s not playing, that’s a tough first-round matchup for the Los Angeles Lakers to go against a physical, battle-tested team. Where, yes, LeBron [James], is the best player on the court and then AD (Anthony Davis). But then on the other side, the Lakers have no answer for CJ and Dame. So, I’m taking my chances.”
“The Lakers have no answer for CJ and Dame.” 👀@channingfrye shares why Portland could be a dangerous first round matchup for the Lakers on #NBAHangTime presented by @express: https://t.co/p2mLG24C4Q pic.twitter.com/NPHmfe5tSc
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 20, 2020
People know that Rondo’s injury is a big blow for the Lakers, even worse than the loss of Avery Bradley, who decided to sit out for the bubble.
It’s not like Rondo is the third star of the team, but he brings something to the team that made them very strong. Now the picture looks different for them.
They’ll have to go against Damian Lillard, one player who is used to beating big rivals in the playoffs, no matter how favorites they are. Lillard is putting up 28.9 points, 7.8 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game while his backcourt partner CJ McCollum is averaging 22.5 points and 4.3 assists per contest.
This idea is getting more and more adepts around the league in recent days. The Blazers still have to fight with the Grizzlies, Pelicans and more teams to steal that last playoff spot. If they get the job done, whoever is in front of them have to be careful.
