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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 important things to scout in Grizzlies-Blazers

By Kevin Germany

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - JULY 31: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 31, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - JULY 31: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 31, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

The Los Angeles Lakers have some scouting to do in the Blazers-Grizzlies matchup.

Portland can be described in two Tom Cruise movies: their offense is Top Gun; their defense stopping other offenses is Mission Impossible! Memphis is a box office attraction in their own right. How did the two teams stack up in their last meeting?

I have already previewed how the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers fare against the Los Angeles Lakers. In the midst of the vast array of hot takes and narratives out there, there is one unmistakable truth: Blazers guard Damian Lillard is a legit superstar.

Lillard will be next year’s MVP. Whoa! Crazy prediction!

I loved this website’s Lillard comparison to the late Kobe Bryant. Dame has the same drive, and the same killer instinct as Kobe had. He is not anywhere near the defender Kobe was, nor does he have the rings… but Dame never played alongside Shaquille O’Neal in his prime.

I digress. It is exciting to see Damian Lillard ball out like this. Portland at full strength is as advertised: an offensive juggernaut with a horrible defense.

See below. Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert bailed them out by going to the step back in the game’s final play. The Phoenix Suns would be playing tomorrow if LeVert had taken it to the rack like he did here.

LeVert would have easily elevated over his man to finish at the basket. Portland’s help defenders inexplicably stayed home on the shooters and allowed Lavert to score at will. Their help defense is not at all helpful!

Memphis is equally as exciting. Ja Morant puts (virtual) fans in seats. Morant and the ever-so-electrifying Brandon Clarke puts them out of their seats. My jaw drops at least twice a game when Morant or Clarke are out there.

Just look at this. Effortless.

They are special talents. So is Jaren Jackson Jr. It’s a shame Jackson is out for the season with a torn meniscus.

Now, it’s time to scout out the Los Angeles Lakers’ potential first-round opponents: the Portland Trailblazers and Memphis Grizzlies.

Here are three things to look for if you are scouting for the Los Angeles Lakers!

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