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Los Angeles Lakers: The key to overcoming the Houston Rockets

Kevin Germany|
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 10: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives the ball against LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 10, 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 10: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives the ball against LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 10, 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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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

Who can stop James Harden:

Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel has no shortage of options to guard James Harden. Many Lakers players have a strong history defending him. Each of these defenders do not fear the beard because they have faced him before.

Wesley Matthews

If Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is unable to go, I expect Wesley Matthews Jr to guard Harden. The hyper-athletic Zach Lavine was a tough matchup for Matthews, who still deserves consideration for the job because he has a decorated history guarding Harden in the playoffs. Granted it was nearly seven years ago, but that familiarity counts for something.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

If KCP is able to go, it would be a huge challenge on his recently injured ankle to guard Harden’s step-backs and perfectly timed Euro steps to the basket. Nevertheless, KCP also has the experience and credentials to check Harden.

Alex Caruso

Alex Caruso just got back in time from his forced in-season quarantine to make it to his homecoming in Houston. Caruso grew up 90 minutes away in nearby College Station and played college ball at Texas A&M, also located in College Station.

He has had past success pressuring Harden into forced shots and turnovers, although the aforementioned lack of rim protection will not embolden him to pressure him as often as he did in the bubble. I expect Caruso to come off the bench to pressure Harden immediately and then taper off down the stretch.

Talen Horton-Tucker

Talen Horton-Tucker will have his shot at Harden as well. In the bubble, THT bodied Harden by playing physical on-ball defense. Harden was surprised a rookie came at him with such intensity.

This time, Harden will be ready.

Conclusion:

As the defending champions, the Lakers are going to get each team’s best shot this season. The Houston Rockets and James Harden are no exception. Even if Harden is unhappy in Houston, he is still one of the ten best players in the NBA. His supporting cast was also much stronger than last season, so the Lakers have their work cut out for them.

Yes, Houston is a problem.

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