Lakers won’t be ‘caught off guard’ by Warriors

When the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the 7th seed on May 7th, the team’s championship aspirations seemed, just that, aspirational. But now we know what their path to a title looks like, somewhat. It’s a path that includes a play-in game against a red-hot Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors tonight. Yes, that’s right. In order for LeBron James to earn a spot in these playoffs he must first go through an old, but familiar foe. Just days ahead of their showdown, James took time to publicly campaign for the 2X-MVP. 

“We’re playing, in my mind, the MVP of this year in Steph.” — LeBron James

Entering the season the Lakers knew the defense of their title would be an uphill battle. A shortened offseason coupled with their two biggest superstars missing substantial time thwarted their regular season plans. The Lakers went from being at the top of the Western Conference to fighting for their playoff life. But, please do not confuse this as me throwing a pity party for the reigning defending champions. That’s not what this is, at all. The Lakers, when healthy, still feature two of the league’s most dominant players. And it is for that reason that I fully expect them to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals. But first, a date with the greatest shooter of our lifetime awaits you, King James. The ball is in your court!