Why the Los Angeles Lakers would handle the Brooklyn Nets with ease

By Jason Reed | Jan 14, 2021

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 10: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball ahead of James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during the second quarter of a game at Toyota Center on January 10, 2021 in Houston, Texas. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

The favored NBA Finals matchup is now between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets.

The Los Angeles Lakers really did break the Houston Rockets. After striking a dagger through the micro-ball Rockets in last season’s playoffs, the Lakers went into Houston, dismantled the Rockets two games in a row and prompted James Harden to make some interesting post-game comments about his team.

Well, less than 24 hours later and Harden has been traded from the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster trade. Harden now finds himself on the Brooklyn Nets while the Rockets are getting a boatload of picks in return.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were included in the deal and snagged Jarrett Allen. Caris LeVert was flipped to Indiana, bringing Victor Oladipo to the Rockets. You can find the full terms of the deal here.

The Nets now have the only real big three in the league with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden, making them the favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals — at least as far as the betting odds are concerned.

Shortly after this trade “Lakers in 5” starting trending on Twitter as Laker fans showed their confidence in beating this new-look Nets team in a potential series. Non-Laker fans may have rolled their eyes at the optimism of Laker fans but the reality of the situation is that the Lakers are still the better team.

Here is why.

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