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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Lessons in elimination of the Portland Trail Blazers

By Ronald Agers

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Alex Caruso led the bench mob in supporting AD and Bron!

Portland deserves a ton of credit for competing and not quitting like some teams have done recently in the playoffs. C.J. McCollum and Carmelo Anthony played outstanding scoring 36 and 27 points respectively.

  • With timely 3 point shooting, the Lakers by no means had the game won until late.
  • Portland got to 100-97 after being down 14 in the third quarter.
  • Gary Trent Jr.’s 3-pointer tied it at 109 with just under seven minutes left. The Lakers answered with a huge Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 3 point shot.
  • When the Blazers closed it to 114-112 with under 5 minutes left, Davis went on a 11-0 run to put Los Angeles up 123-112 and all but seal it.

But he had help with plays like this.

Timely plays like this from Alex Caruso with a big steal started the fast break where AD ended any hopes of the Blazers extending the series another game. Alex Caruso led the bench with timely disruptive plays that frustrated Portland into numerous turnovers in the 4th quarter. The bench contributed 31 points.

Alex Caruso:

The aforementioned Caruso continued making plays that did not make the box scores. Here’s his accomplishments that did. AC Fresh finished with 7 points (3-5 shooting!), 4 steals. 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. 

Kyle Kuzma: 

Kuz didn’t shoot well in the game (3-12 shooting!) but his defense and floor game was outstanding. Normally games like this would have taken him and the Lakers out of rhythm. Diving for loose balls, playing disciplined team defense will count much more than the 8 points he scored. 

Dwight Howard:

Mark the words of Lake Show Life! Dwight Howard will be a major key to the success of the Lakers in the second round. Howard scored 11 points and grabbed 6 rebounds (4 offensive!) while staying out of foul trouble. His physical presence allowed AD to do his thing freely. 

With this series over, the Lakers have a bit of a break. Meanwhile, for Lakers Nation, it’s time to party and enjoy this one. The Los Angeles Lakers back where they belong in the postseason.

TITLE CONTENDERS!

The Portland Trail Blazers and NBA family is at a loss when Cliff Robinson passed earlier in the day. Uncle Cliffy spent his first 8 of his 18 years with the franchise. 

Also lost in a tough week was University of Arizona head coach, Lure Olson and actor Chadwick Boseman. Lake Show Life sends prayers to the friends and family to all of these men. R.I.P.  

Lake Show Life has been giving full analysis of the first round. For a recap of the entire series, you can relive them here.

Not only can you check out the analysis, but you can also learn from a lively comment section with some of the smartest Lakers fans around. The debates are passionate and more importantly respectful.

Next. The uniting of the Lakers and Clippers. dark

Leave a comment or question and let your voice be heard. The writer does answer you. Be a part of the playoff journey here at Lake Show Life!

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