After falling behind in the series 1-0, the Los Angeles Lakers have flipped the script for the first-round series against the Phoenix Suns and have taken a 2-1 series lead. While the purple and gold only have a one-game advantage, this series feels like it is just about over for the Suns.
The Lakers are already the most overqualified seventh seed perhaps in NBA history and it did not help the Suns that the Lakers’ size creates a big mismatch. The Lakers already have the two best players in the series and those players were entering a series that they were set up to succeed in.
And that has been the story of the series. Phoenix won Game 1 behind a terrible shooting performance for the Lakers that, quite frankly, was a statistical anomaly. Game 2 was close but it was the two best players that took over at the end and Game 3 was decided by a dominant third quarter by the Lakers.
It is safe to say that most Laker fans are feeling confident about this series, perhaps the series even ending in five games. While the Lakers have seven games to get the job done, fans better hope that it ends sooner, not later.
The Los Angeles Lakers need to take care of business and end this series in five games.
Will the Los Angeles Lakers lose this series if it goes to six games? No, but they certainly could and the team benefits much more from getting the job done as soon as possible and winning both Game 4 and Game 5.
Here are two reasons why Lakers in five is so important for the team in this first-round playoff matchup.
1. The Los Angeles Lakers need as much rest as possible
This might seem contradictory considering LeBron James and Anthony Davis both missed significant time in the regular season. But the fact still remains that it is easier for the team to make a deep run in the NBA playoffs if they can get as much rest as possible.
LeBron James is still obviously not 100% with his ankle and Anthony Davis is dealing with lingering issues of his own. Even with LeBron playing, it is quite obvious that he has a plan to not put too much stress on his body.
In all three games against Phoenix, as well as the play-in game against the Golden State Warriors, LeBron seemingly took one half off. He is the master of knowing when to give it 100% and went to let off the throttle and it’s become more egregious because of this ankle injury.
This isn’t the regular season he’s taking off, this is legitimate playoff games where he is reserving his energy to make as deep of a run as possible. The Lakers did not get much time off heading into the playoffs because of the playing tournament and they need to now capitalize on any possible time off they can get.
Los Angeles will play the winner of the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers series which seems destined to go seven games. While the Lakers are much more talented than either team, this presents an opportunity to not only rest their bodies but you get a rest advantage over their next opponent.
The Los Angeles Lakers benefited last season from winning the first three series in five games each. The hope should be that they continue that trend.
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.