Entering the 2021 playoffs hobbled and broken, the Los Angeles Lakers are having to overcome a lot of obstacles en-route to their bid to repeat as NBA Champions.
After losing Game 1, the team looked to be in major trouble against the Suns, and many predicted them to lose the series in a hard-fought affair.
But behind the play of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers find themselves up 2-1 in the series, with the chance to go up 3-1 in L.A. on Sunday.
It was actually L.A.’s first playoff win in Staples Center since 2012.
The @Lakers take a 2-1 series lead over the Suns after a 109-95 victory in LA.
◻️ AD: 34 PTS | 11 REB
◻️ LeBron: 21 PTS | 9 AST | 6 REB pic.twitter.com/EoTrbpIy7B
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 28, 2021
On Twitter, Lakers fans went wild with celebrations, a sign that their squad is gearing up for another long postseason run.
LAKERS WIN!!!!!! LAKERS LEAD 2-1
— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) May 28, 2021
First win since 2012 in the staples center Lakers fans bouta get lit haha
— Amilcar Rosa🇵🇷 (@holliboy1997) May 28, 2021
https://twitter.com/jokufool/status/1398139805901406214https://twitter.com/Goaty_Wop/status/1398139792391643137
Lakers in pic.twitter.com/10V2ILBOUC
— デライ (@derayaw13) May 28, 2021
LAKERS WIN! pic.twitter.com/VTK7PdMnTv
— Ruben A. Cueva (@alejandro_cueva) May 28, 2021
https://twitter.com/oscartonytoro/status/1398140210722918400https://twitter.com/SaltiestAzFan/status/1398140208630177794https://twitter.com/hoodintervinti1/status/1398140204872089602
The Lakers won 1 game against OKC before following it up with a 0-4 series loss vs the Spurs. It took them six seasons to return to the playoffs again, and another before they would return to Staples Center.
Needles to say, it’s a huge moment for the Lakeshow, and a reminder that the team is back in the spotlight.
The Suns are the 2nd seed for a reason. They’re deep talented, and very hungry to bring success to the franchise.
But between L.A.’s talent, their experience, and Chris Paul’s compromised shoulder, the Suns are having a hard time keeping the defending Champs at bay.
Going forward, it will take superhuman efforts from Devin Booker and Chris Paul to give them the edge. But after three games, Lakers fans are the ones feeling good and confident about their position going forward.
But we will see how it all ends over the next few days.
