3 reasons why Houston may stand a chance vs the Los Angeles Lakers

Reason #3: Houston’s crazy adjustments (prediction below)

Here’s a crazy idea: Play Westbrook at center. On offense only.

Use Westbrook as an on-ball screener for Harden. The Los Angeles Lakers’ defense is playing way off Westbrook. Using him as a screener frees up Harden for pull-up threes. If the Lakers double Harden, Westbrook is attacking 4 on 3 in space.

Houston had a bit of success with having Westbrook dive to the basket. Look at this nice feed from Eric Gordon.

And from Robert Covington.

Let me also make another suggestion: when the Lakers play zone, have Westbrook play the high post with four shooters surrounding him. The key to scoring on a zone defense is to get the ball at the free-throw line. Westbrook is their best option at the high post because is the only Houston player who shoots mid-range shots. He can elevate quickly over Laker defenders.

This might buy Houston one game. Or at least one half. It might be the difference.

Or just one half of the court? They still have to play defense. How do they stop the Lakers suddenly vaunted offense?

Double team LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Houston’s coaching staff must have had too many flashbacks to their epic battles against the Golden State Warriors. Their whole defensive scheme was designed to defend the Golden State Warriors. Switching everything worked really well against Golden State’s maze of screens and dribble handoffs.

The Lakers are not the Golden State Warriors! LeBron James and Anthony Davis cannot be stopped individually. Switches do not bother them! LeBron and AD can just bully ball any Houston defender inside.

This is just too easy.

Sending a second defender on the catch LeBron’s way will funnel the ball to somewhat unreliable outside shooters. Toronto’s swarming defense proved to be a template for how the Lakers can be stopped.

Can the Rockets win a game? I doubt it. In fact, I officially predict the Lakers win the next two games, completing the Gentleman’s Sweep.

The Los Angeles Lakers are just too big.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers win series 4-1