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Los Angeles Lakers: Goodbye Rockets, bring on L.A. Clippers! 3 Lessons

By Ronald Agers

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 12: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 12, 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 12: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 12, 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers might have started Russell Westbrook’s journeyman career!

Music selection: Close to you…The Carpenters!

The Los Angeles Lakers had pretty much eliminated all belief from the Rockets in Game 4, but the final game did have enough intrigue to watch. Russell Westbrook was targeted by LeBron and Rajon Rondo at the end of the previous game with an off the backboard alley-oop dunk.

Since Game 2, the Los Angeles Lakers made it a point to embarrass Russell Westbrook and bait him into one on one matchups. The more the Lakers led by LeBron and AD antagonized him, the more he got taken out of his game and the Houston offense went with him.

By the time the Lakers had built up a 30 point lead in the fourth quarter, Russell Westbrook lost his head.

There was a brewing situation between Russ and Rondo. LeBron smartly told Rondo to switch. To all the kids growing up, don’t scream “You better double me!” down 29 points. Even LeBron was laughing at him.

When you stop laughing or wondering how someone can go 4-13 for 10 points in an elimination game, it’s gets better.

Russell Westbrook seemingly showed more toughness (Or tried!) to the Lakers’ family section when he had words with Rajon Rondo’s brother. Rajon’s brother was  thrown out for arguing with him from the sidelines (Against bubble rules!). Rajon’s brother is the personal barber to the NBA players. Guess Russ won’t be leaving a tip.

According to Marc Spears of The Undefeated.

"Lakers guard Rajon Rondo says his brother, William, called Russell Westbrook “trash” and nothing more and gave him the “Damian Lillard” wave when the Rockets star asked what he said. Rondo said his bother didn’t say anything more and he is hopeful there will be no discipline."

Russell Westbrook discussed the incident after the game. 

The Los Angeles Lakers has made history. When can anyone remember a franchise totally embarrass not only it’s opponent, but emasculate their two former MVPs in the same series? The Lakers changed basketball much like the Golden State Warriors did five years ago. They have effectively ended any doubt that “Micro Ball” has any chance in the NBA.

Plus, the Houston Rockets era is closed.

  • Russell Westbrook is owed nearly $130 million over the next three years. Look for a trade.
  • Mike D’Antoni will be fired, the collapse of the last two games can’t be overlooked.
  • Daryl Morey may be shown the door too. He put this squad together that costs a lot of money. 

Plus, the Lakers changed the perception of James Harden. These are what sports pundits will point out about Houston.

They’ve blamed Carmelo Anthony.

They’ve blamed Chris Paul

They’ve blamed Kevin McHale

They’ve blamed Clint Capela

They’ve blamed Mike D’Antoni

Now they will blame Russell Westbrook

Yet there’s been one common denominator for the Rockets through it all…James Harden.

The Los Angeles Lakers will now await the winner of the LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets series. The schedule will be set based on when the series is over. The longer the Nuggets extend the series, the more rest and preparation the Lakers get.

dark. Next. Why the Lakers will easily get past the Clippers

To Lakers Nation, congratulations from Lake Show Life!

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