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3 contenders the Lakers are now better than after the deadline

By Jason Reed

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers is guarded by Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 18, 2022 in San Francisco, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers is guarded by Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 18, 2022 in San Francisco, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) /

2. The Los Angeles Lakers are better than the Philadelphia 76ers

The only way that the Lakers and 76ers could square off in the NBA Playoffs is if both teams made it to the NBA Finals. That is something that the Lakers should be rooting for as the 76ers are probably the best matchup for the Lakers among the true Eastern Conference contenders.

Joel Embiid is a monster and there is no denying that he would be the best player on the court in this series. That being said, Embiid also hasn’t been the most reliable in staying healthy over the course of the season. After playing an entire season and having to battle through the East, there are no guarantees for Embiid in the Finals (but the same can be said about Anthony Davis).

More important is his co-star, James Harden. Harden has a trend of shrinking in the playoffs and that is when he was in his prime. He is no longer the same James Harden and his defensive woes in a playoff series against LeBron James would be noticeable.

Philadelphia did make one trade, swapping Matisse Thybulle for Jalen McDaniels as part of a four-team trade. That is definitely an upgrade overall for the 76ers as McDaniels is much better offensively and can still defend, but the 76ers are still losing their best perimeter defender.

If it came down to it, I like LeBron James, Anthony Davis and that supporting cast over Joel Embiid, James Harden and their supporting cast (which includes Tyrese Maxey). Philly fans will be outraged by it but hey, what aren’t they outraged by?

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