Why it is critical for the Los Angeles Lakers to end this series in five games

2. It keeps Chris Paul from getting to 100%

The Phoenix Suns already matched up terribly against the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the series. While DeAndre Ayton has played much better than expected the Lakers have noticeably, and predictably, taken full advantage of their size.

However, the Lakers have also benefited from Chris Paul injuring his shoulder. While CP3 has continued to play in the series, he has been on a minutes restriction and is very obviously not himself.

While he might not get back to 100% soon, the longer this series goes the more likely it is that he does return to 100%. And if he returns to 100%, the Los Angeles Lakers job becomes much harder.

The worst thing that can happen is Phoenix stretching this to six games stealing a game in LA in game six and then getting home court in game seven with a more healthy team. While it is easy to still be optimistic about the Lakers’ chances in that situation, anything can happen in one game and the Suns are a very talented basketball team that could shock the world especially with a healthy Chris Paul.

There is no time for the Los Angeles Lakers to mess around or take it easy on the sons. A true title-winning team knocks off their opponents at the earliest convenience and for the Lakers, that is in five games.