Los Angeles Lakers: 3 important battles to win vs. Trail Blazers

PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 06: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers tries to get around Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of the game at Moda Center on December 06, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 06: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers tries to get around Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of the game at Moda Center on December 06, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

The Los Angeles Lakers have to win specific battles vs. the Portland Trail Blazers.

Finally! The playoffs are here! We have been eagerly waiting with much anticipation, with much joy. I hope each of you share my excitement. Tonight’s game should be special. The Portland Trailblazers and the Los Angeles Lakers will have a special series. 

And for the main event: the Los Angeles Lakers begin their title quest tomorrow night against the much-ballyhooed Portland Trailblazers. Portland has had a whirlwind journey to even get here, definitely worthy of a Disney movie.

They were one missed shot away from getting eliminated entirely. When they finally made it to the play-in game, Portland dispatched the Memphis Grizzlies in an offensive shootout.

Side note: If Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert had taken it to the basket as opposed to taking a step back, either Memphis or the undefeated Phoenix Suns would be the Lakers’ opponent. Brooklyn relished the role of playing spoiler, but Portland’s defense was pretty bad. They should have won that game by at least 10 points. Just nobody could stop LeVert!

This series is full of intrigue right now. Portland has a legit chance. I am curious about which of these articles ages the best:

Damian Lillard, Portland’s unquestioned superstar, is on a mission. His shooting has been ridiculously overpowered for a long time. But now it is on another level: some say Dame is in the same stratosphere as Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain in terms of scoring.

People think that is absurd. Well, Dame’s numbers put him there.

On the other hand, the Lakers were locked in as the number one seed from the jump. The goal was to stay healthy for the playoffs and to maintain good habits.

Yes. Their flaws are obvious. I do not care. I am too excited for tonight!

Let’s go! The stakes are real! The lights are on, the cameras are popping, and the virtual fans are… still virtual!

Analyzing the game within a game is always a fascinating subplot. Many coaches like to identify key stats the team needs to outperform their opponent in order to win.

Let’s break down three key battles the Lakers need to win tomorrow night!