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

By Jason Reed

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)
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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Doc Rivers is coaching like he is underqualified

Doc Rivers is a legend of the game. He has coached some really great teams in the league and he will go down as a Hall of Famer. As great of a job as he has done in the past, such as leading a surprise Clippers team to the playoffs last season, this has been a terrible display for Rivers.

The Clippers need to make adjustments in this first-round series against the Mavericks if they even want to get to a Western Conference Final against the Los Angeles Lakers. The way Doc Rivers is coaching, I probably would not expect it.

There have been multiple blunders that even the most casual basketball fan can realize. Ivica Zubac has gotten very little playing time despite the Clippers being better when he is on the court, at least defensively as Harrell has been getting abused by Boban Marjanovic.

Rivers has also deployed a backcourt of Lou Williams and Reggie Jackson in key defensive situations, including leaving Jackson in the game for Luka Doncic’s electric game-winner. The Mavs did what they should have: got Jackson on Doncic and the rest is now history.

The Lakers’ gameplan was questionable at best in Game 1 but the team went out, made adjustments and have returned an even better defensive team and have been much more efficient on offense. They have been the only team in the bubble to limit the Trail Blazers.

Why? Talent and great coaching. The Clippers have the talent (albeit underperforming) but the coaching simply has not been there.

Next. 2019 free agents that would be perfect for the playoffs. dark

For a franchise that has repeatedly failed to get over the hump and for a head coach that does not have much playoff success outside of the two Finals runs with Boston, this is a big, big deal.

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