With the start that the Lakers got off to this season, there are very few who could have predicted them making it to the postseason. Their less-than-desirable 2-10 start had fans bracing for another disappointing year. There was not anything to be happy about, nor was there anything to look forward to.
The roster construction was the cause of a lot of their struggles. Lebron, who has often found success with players who space the floor and open up the lane for his constant dribble penetration, was missing from the team. Instead, the team had several athletic, non-shooting players who crowded up the paint. The construct of the Lakers was a recipe for disaster. Despite their struggles, fans continued tuning in because it was the year that Lebron would eventually break the all-time scoring record.
Once Lebron achieved that feat, there was very little reason for anyone to tune into the season. Fortunately, at the trade deadline, the Lakers were able to retool the roster and add some pieces that would give them a chance of making the postseason. They acquired Jarred Vanderbilt, D’Angelo Russell, and Malik Beasley. Each player would bring something different to the team, but ultimately what they brought in was youth which improved the defense and floor spacing on the team.
With the continuous development of Austin Reeves, along with the addition of new talent at the trade deadline, the Lakers were able to put together a late regular season run to make the postseason.
Now the Lakers find themselves in the first round playing the second-seed Memphis Grizzlies. Some may see this as an easy matchup for the Lakers. I couldn’t agree anymore. The Lakers' experience, defensive versatility, and the fact they have multiple shotmakers will make this a tough series for the Grizzlies to win.
Ja Morant still struggles to manage and control games to a high degree. He’s not a high-level playmaker, which creates limitations for the Grizzlies' offense. Besides Ja, there aren’t many other players on the Grizzlies that can generate their shot. Especially in the playoffs when defenses are locked in on each player.
The lack of adequate game management and offensive capabilities makes this a good matchup for the Lakers. When it comes to playoff basketball, Lebron James is a maestro. He is notorious for knowing exactly how to move each piece on the chessboard. The past postseason success that he and Anthony Davis have had will make this a series where they can have the upper hand and take advantage of the Grizzlies' inabilities.
The Lakers should have no issue coming out on top in this series. They have the veteran know-how and the pieces to win this series. There’s no telling where this Lakers season will end, but it’s impressive that they have made a 180 from where they started. The Lakers now have an opportunity to shock the entire world this postseason. There is a path to success for them to do so.