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Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking down playoff series vs. the longshots

By Kevin Germany

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 08: Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs watches the scoreboard during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 08, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 08: Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs watches the scoreboard during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 08, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns: Can Devin Booker Go Off for 70 Again?

Of the three long shot teams, the Suns have the best player in Devin Booker. Since Book went off for 70 points in Boston, he has been miscast as a high-volume scoring point guard with a top 5 usage rate. His ideal career path is Klay Thompson with more off-the-bounce verve (and less defense).

Signing Ricky Rubio put Booker back on track, but Booker has to obviously get back to that 70-point level to beat LA. Rubio has to get himself back on track and live up to the hype he got while playing for Spain in the 2008 Olympics.

Rubio was 17 when he came off the bench and held his own against the likes of Chris Paul, LeBron James and the late Kobe Bryant in the Gold Medal game. Rubio needs to get back to that level.

Suns big men Aron Baynes (35% from three) and DeAndre Ayton (automatic from 15-18 feet) might force Javale McGee and Dwight Howard off the floor. The wings might also give the Lakers some trouble.

Kelly Oubre Jr. may or may not play. If he does, he will force LeBron to play on-ball defense. Mikal Bridges is a long, athletic 3 & D wing who can guard multiple positions. The lineup of Rubio, Booker, Kelly Oubre Jr, Mikal Bridges, and Ayton lineup is +20.2 in 226 minutes played together.

I think the Suns will surprise the Lakers and win Game 1. The media will say they have a chance… and then reality hits in Game 2: Anthony Davis just moves to center, making it a wrap for the Suns.

Davis at center takes away the Suns speed and spacing advantages. LeBron at power forward will abuse either Mikal Bridges or Kelly Oubre Jr on the block. The Lakers have just enough wing defenders (Alex Caruso, Danny Green, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope) and new acquisitions (Dion Waiters, JR Smith) to cover the Rubio/Booker backcourt.

Not to mention Kyle Kuzma will be more playable as a small forward in this lineup. A bad matchup for LA immediately becomes a good one with Davis at center. Former Sun Markeiff Morris can even play center if Davis needs a reprieve guarding big men.

Bridges is non-threatening enough to stash Davis on him at times. I think the Lakers will drop game 1 and then steamroll the Suns next four games.

dark. Next. Why the Blazers could beat the Lakers

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers win 4-1

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