This is the second time in the long career of Lebron James , in which he is going to be a part of a elimination game in the First Round of Playoffs. Last time when Lebron was in a similar condition,it was game 7 of 2018 playoffs against Indiana Pacers, in which He scored 45 points and the Cavs won 105-101.
As a matter of fact , Lebron James has never lost in the First Round . Well ,He has also never ever faced a higher seed in the First Round too. Although mid season , Lakers were not suppose to finish 7th . They were running away with the first seed , but then due to multiple injuries to key players ,they slipped to the 7th seed.
Now the Lakers are down 3-2 against the Phoenix Suns , which are a well coached team , with a lot of veterans and they are playing with a sense of desperation.
The first half of Game 5 was one of the worst performances by a former champion team , I have ever seen . Scoring only 36 , that was unacceptable. Veterans like Dennis Schröder and Kentavious Cadwell Pope both combining for a 0 , that was absolutely ridiculous.
Marc Gasol isn’t the same player that he used to be few years ago, he cant really defend any pick and roll , it’s either finishing into the Suns getting a open 3 or Gasol fouling that player.
Kyle kuzma Will show up for 2 plays and will be invisible for the next 20 minutes.
While the Suns players were forming a wall to prevent Lebron James drive to the basket, Lakers players formed a wall by shooting the bricks from beyond 3 point line.
Frank Vogel not playing A former 6th Man of the year is still a big mystery. With Anthony Davis out , I’m still scratching my head why is Montraz harrel is not starting . With Andre Drummond also starting, there should not be a problem in defending Deandre Ayton . If it is about spacing , then still They haven’t shot the ball well , so whatever it is , its not working.
Lebron James is 36 , and he is looking OLD , he cannot give you a 40 12 8 game , he clearly needs help from the supporting cast . And if the supporting cast plays similarly to what they deliver in game 5 and Without Anthony Davis , I don’t really see this Lakers team winning Game 6 .
Even if AD plays , he did not looked good in game 4 . And after a injury, I do not expect him to play at his normal level.
It’s hard to bet against the king but right now Phoenix is clearly a way better basketball team .And I see the Suns easily winning this game and finishing this series.
My Predictions for Game 6 is :-
Lakers 90 – Suns 102
Game 7 