Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking down the potential first-round matchups

Los Angeles Lakers: Matchup three – New Orleans Pelicans

A matchup that would have sports media all over it, Zion Williamson takes on LeBron James in the first round of the playoffs. Currently at 28-36, the Pelicans are tied for the ninth seed in the conference with the Trail Blazers.

The Los Angeles Lakers swept the season series against New Orleans, winning all four games by 10 points or less.

Looking at the starting five for each team, New Orleans has the advantage at the guard spots with Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday, the Lakers once again being better at the forward spots, however Los Angeles has the slight edge at the center position. Javale McGee’s impact on defense is much more important than the two points more per game Derrick Favors contributes for New Orleans.

The Pelicans pace of play could potentially cause the Lakers some problems, especially if the players are not in basketball shape. New Orleans’ young core should be able to run the floor much easier than those on the Lakers’ roster, and they are one of the more high volume three-point shooting teams in the league.

Having Zion Williamson down low with the ability to go body to body against anyone in basketball surely helps, especially when he’s shooting nearly 60 percent from the field and 46 percent from three (albeit a small sample size) in his young career. Brandon Ingram has also blossomed into a star capable of leading the way for a team for years to come.

The Pelicans no doubt have quite a core to set them up nicely for years to come. However, experience, and just overall talent and chemistry will help the Lakers move past them relatively easily. The Lakers should drop no more than one game to New Orleans, and a sweep would not be all that surprising.