1 player the Lakers can expose on each West contender in playoffs

By Jason Reed | Apr 12, 2021

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts to a play during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on April 04, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Los Angeles Clippers: Paul George

Oh boy, Clippers fans are not going to be happy with this one.

Paul George is a great basketball player. He finished third in MVP voting two years ago and is one of the best two-way wing players in the entire league. The best version of George is something that every single NBA team wants.

The worst version of George is not that of a superstar, and unfortunately for the Clippers, that version of George tends to show up in the playoffs.

Kawhi Leonard is nails. While his clutch numbers are not great this season and he was not as good in the playoffs last season as the year before, he is a two-time NBA Champion and willed the Toronto Raptors to win the NBA Championship two years ago. The Clippers don’t have to worry about him.

MORE: How the Lakers can ruin the next decade for the Clippers

The Lakers do and the defensive priority will be on Leonard. You cannot stop Kawhi, but you can slow him down and force George to have the most output on the Clippers. And quite frankly, if the Lakers can force George to beat them, they have to like their chances in a seven-game series.

There are some poor defensive role players that the Lakers could target off the bench and that is a given. The biggest player to expose is Paul George, even if he has already exposed himself with poor play in the playoffs.

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