LeBron James played 45 minutes to help the Lakers book their spot in the playoffs as the 7th seed, going up against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round.
After the win over the Timberwolves, LeBron was asked about his first-round opponents. He broke down the skills of most of the roster before jokingly saying he hasn’t thought about them at all.
“Really good team, very well coached, very well balanced, obviously the head of the snake is Ja Morant. Another All-Star in Jaren Jackson who is up there in Defensive Player of the Year as well as blocked shots. Offensively, he’s very dynamic as well. Tyus Jones has led the league in the assists-to-turnover ratio in like the last 6 years. Desmond Bane is in his second or third year but plays like a veteran, his ability to shoot the ball from the 3-point line and he can attack early transitions. Dillon Brooks, you can’t disrespect him because he can make shots… Luke Kennard broke my scoring record in high school, passed me, and it’s because he’s a laser from the 3-point line. His ability to shoot the ball is uncanny. They got so many guys off the bench that you can’t disrespect them because they’ll make you pay. Obviously, I haven’t thought about Memphis one bit.”
I asked LeBron for his early thoughts on the Memphis matchup. After listing out his scouting report for most of their rotation, he deadpanned, “Obviously, I haven’t thought about Memphis one minute.” pic.twitter.com/PeUJ4sXJYs
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 12, 2023
LeBron James has not only thought about the Grizzlies but already memorized the profiles of the players that will be competing against him. NBA history doesn’t look kindly on 7th seeds in the first round, so the Lakers will really need to fight hard to beat the Grizzlies in a seven-game series.
The Most Compelling First-Round Matchup?
The Lakers and Grizzlies are just another one of the stellar matchups that the Western Conference will give us in the playoffs. We have the offensive battle between the Kings and the Warriors along with the 2021 WCF rematch between the Suns and the Clippers.
The Lakers and Grizzlies may have the most narrative stakes attached to them. A loss for the Grizzlies will be disastrous given the amount they have trash-talked not only the Lakers but the entire Western Conference. The Lakers have made an admirable comeback but will want to put the Grizzlies in the dust to prove that their championship window isn’t over.
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