The Los Angeles Lakers are showing their mettle in the playoffs with a 16-point win over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of their first-round series.
The Lakers were underdogs to beat the Grizz but easily handled the No. 2 seed, prompting Charles Barkley to say that the Lakers have the easiest path to the Conference Finals.
“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… I’d rather be in the Play-In and play 1 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.”
"If you actually look at it now, the Lakers that was the easiest path to the Conference Finals…I rather be in the Play-In and play 1 bad team at home. The Clippers got a tougher road because they have to go through the Suns and Denver."
— Charles Barkleypic.twitter.com/DlwOoAQUzd
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 17, 2023
The Lakers’ path wasn’t considered as easy as the Warriors’ path, as they were favorites to beat the Kings and then match up with the winner of Lakers vs. Grizzlies. That side of the bracket is definitely easier, given the Clippers and Suns have to face each other before they likely face the Nuggets in the second round.
Are The Lakers One Of The Biggest Threats In The West?
It’s hard to put any real expectations on LA because they built their team in February. The success they’ve had since is inarguable, as they genuinely look like one of the best teams in the West. Ja Morant possibly being injured for Game 2 means the Lakers have an even bigger advantage that they can capitalize on to put this series to bed.
The Warriors are currently 1-0 behind the Kings in their series. The winner of that will be the Lakers’ opponents should they beat the Grizz. Either way, LA shouldn’t count their chickens before they hatch, as they still need to beat down a team that has been one of the biggest threats in the West all season. They’re bound to take a game or two off the Lakers, so the team needs to be ready to deal with adversity.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
