Lake Show Life
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Los Angeles Lakers fans rejoice as Pacers blow out Cavs in pivotal Game 6

By Jason Renner

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 27: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers disagrees with a calll against the Indiana Pacers in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 27, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 27: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers disagrees with a calll against the Indiana Pacers in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 27, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers fans have to be happy seeing the Cleveland Cavaliers get forced into a Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers.

Los Angeles Lakers fans had to happy watching the pivotal Game 6 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers. The Cavaliers entered the game with a chance to wrap up their first-round series and head on to the second round. After LeBron James saved Cleveland in an improbable win in Game 5, the Cavaliers fell apart in Game 6.

No Cavalier player posted a positive plus-minus on the night as multiple players struggled to get going. Even James couldn’t shoulder the load for the team in a closeout game, shooting 7-of-16 on the night for 22 points.

The loss sends the Cavs back to Cleveland for a decisive Game 7. This would be the first Game 7 of LeBron’s career in the first round. If Victor Oladipo plays the way he did in Game 6 when he faces the Cavaliers in Game 7, he could send LeBron James home in the first round for the first time ever.

Oladipo posted a triple-double last night with 28 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. He shot an efficient 11 of 19 from the field, correcting his shooting woes in games 2 through 5.

Many figured the Pacers would fold being down 3-2 to LeBron. While most expected a close game between the two teams, no one really figured the Pacers would blow out the Cavaliers. LeBron is usually focused and ready for close-out games in a series, but this game proved to be an anomaly.

If the Pacers can show up for Game 7 like they did in Game 6, they have a good chance to upset the Cavs. James pointed to the necessity of having Cavs forward Kevin Love play well in Game 7 for Cleveland to advance.

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When asked about the importance of Love for Game 7, James had the following to say.

"“He’s a huge part of our success or non-success, obviously…People have games where you can’t make shots. But we have to continue to let him know how important he is to our success.”"

If the Pacers can indeed win in Game 7, James will experience the earliest postseason exit in his entire career. This could be enough to convince him that a change of scenery is necessary.

If a rebuilt Cavs team can’t even beat the Pacers in the first round, why should James think Cleveland is the best team for him to continue establishing his legacy with?

Fellow marquee free-agent Paul George bowed out from the playoffs last night too. The Oklahoma City Thunder lost in Game 6 to the Utah Jazz. George immediately faced free-agent questions in the post-game press conference.

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If James loses in Game 7 to the Pacers, he can expect much of the same. The minute his postseason ends, his free-agency begins. Cavs and Pacers play in Game 7 tomorrow at 1 pm ET. Tune in to the game to see how this all plays out.

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