Why the Los Angeles Lakers would handle the Brooklyn Nets in the Finals

By Jason Reed | Apr 26, 2021

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 10: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after the out of bounds ball was giving to Los Angeles Lakers as Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center on April 10, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.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 Elsa/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. The Los Angeles Lakers’ size and defense creates a big mismatch

The talent of both teams is only half of the equation when previewing an NBA Playoffs series. The other half of the equation is how the teams match up against each other and in this specific instance, the Lakers have a favorable matchup advantage.

Adding Andre Drummond was huge for the Lakers. Not only did it help them solve a mismatch with teams such as the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers, but it also helped them create a mismatch against a team like the Brooklyn Nets.

The Lakers are really big. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are already a lot to handle and having Drummond to rim protect and add a new dynamic down low is huge. The Nets are small and their best lineup has Kevin Durant playing the five. That is not going to be fun for Brooklyn.

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It is more than just the size difference, though. The Lakers are the best defensive team in the league and they have continued to be the best defensive team in the league with their best defender (Anthony Davis) missing most of the season.

The Nets are still going to get theirs but it is going to be much harder against a team like the Lakers. The Lakers have Anthony Davis to guard Kevin Durant, LeBron James to guard James Harden and the wings (such as Alex Caruso) to guard Kyrie Irving.

And who is going to guard AD? Kevin Durant? Okay, who is going to guard LeBron James? The Nets cannot answer that question with a solid answer. The Lakers can.

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