Why the Los Angeles Lakers would easily win a Lakers-Clippers series

By Jason Reed | Aug 24, 2020

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 22: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after getting fouled in the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Three of the first round of the playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers at the AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 22, 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 Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Anthony Davis is just going to bully the Clippers as he has against Portland

The Los Angeles Lakers have done a really good job in limiting the production from the bigs in this opening-round series. Hassan Whiteside had a solid Game 1 in which he had some key blocks in big moments, but aside from that, the bigs have been the downfall of the Blazers.

That was a big question going into the series. The Lakers knew that the Blazers’ backcourt was going to score a lot. If the team could effectively shut down the Blazers’ bigs (which they have) and take advantage of that mismatch (which they have) then they would be in great shape.

As long as Davis is playing aggressively and the passive version of himself does not show up then it is going to be the same song and dance against the Clippers. Who is going to stop AD?

Kawhi can do fine in limiting him in mid-range and cutting him off from getting to the post but once in the post that is a mismatch that will either create a good look for Davis, who can play bully ball, or open someone else up on the court.

Ivica Zubac does not have the strength to limit AD and Montrezl Harrell is a tad undersized and has not been that great defensively. Davis is the key to the Lakers’ winning a title and this is a nightmare matchup for the Clippers.

This is why Davis dropped 34 points against the Clippers in the return of basketball and why he has averaged 28.3 points against the Clippers.

You could make the case that the Clippers can counter AD with some creativity on the defensive end and that is probably true. However, I would not trust that if I was a Clipper fan for one specific reason.

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