Los Angeles Lakers: 5 crucial things we've learned during the NBA Playoffs

Los Angeles Lakers: 5 crucial things we’ve learned during the NBA Playoffs

By Jason Reed | Oct 7, 2020

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Four of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 6, 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) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Frank Vogel is a top-three coach in the NBA. Period.

I do not think that there is any possible way that you can refute this point right now. Frank Vogel is one of the absolute best coaches in the league and he has proven that in the NBA Playoffs.

Look at the adjustments that Vogel has made in the playoffs. The Lakers played the red-hot Portland Trail Blazers and the Lakers became the first team in the bubble to limit the backcourt. They then played the micro-ball Houston Rockets, played small, and beat them at their own game.

They then became the first team to limit Jamal Murray (and really, Nikola Jokic) and have made excellent offensive adjustments to attack the Miami Heat’s zone defense in the NBA Finals. It all stems from Vogel.

Heck, it goes back to the regular season as well. Most NBA pundits looked at the Lakers’ supporting cast as a bunch of washed veterans. Vogel got the most out of Avery Bradley, Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

This is a long way coming from before the season when Jason Kidd was the rumored head coaching target and Vogel was viewed as settling by the Lakers. Little did we all know that Vogel would prove to be one of the best coaches in the entire NBA.

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