USA Today via Reuters
May 25, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard LeBron James (23) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the first half in game two of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 25, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard LeBron James (23) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the first half in game two of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The LeBron James-led Los Angeles Lakers are facing off against the Chris Paul-led Phoenix Suns in their first-round matchup of the NBA Playoffs.
Given the incredible roller coaster that this regular season has been, the Suns finished as the second seed while the Lakers were the seventh.
Despite playing against each other for 16 seasons, LeBron and CP3 hadn’t faced off in the Playoffs. Given the special friendship they share off-the-court, this Lakers-Suns matchup is shaping up to be a must-watch for everyone.
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USA Today via Reuters
May 23, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) falls over Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) in the second half during game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Suns and the Lakers have certainly lived up to their hype till now. After a dominant victory over the Lakers, Phoenix were dealt with a tremendous blow as Chris Paul suffered a shoulder injury.
Given CP3’s struggles to score and facilitate, the Suns looked like a shadow of themselves as the Lakers steamrolled past them in Games 2 and 3.
Chris Paul and LeBron James create history in Lakers vs Suns Game 4
Given how dominant the Lakers looked, the series was heading towards an easy victory for the Lakers. But the Suns came out in red hot form come Game 4. With Paul able to score and regain his old form, Phoenix looked like a complete side once again.
This meant trouble for the champions who relied on their superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But an Injury to Davis meant that LBJ had to take control of the game.
While Paul led his team with 18 points and 9 assists, James wasn’t far behind either scoring 25 points along with 6 assists. Leading their respective teams in both points and assists, LBJ and CP3 created a new playoff record as they became the only pair of players older than 35 years to lead their team in both scoring and assists in the NBA.
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Chris Paul & LeBron James both led their teams Sunday in points & assist.
It was the first game in NBA history in which 2 players, age 35 or older, led their team in points & assists (regular season or playoffs) pic.twitter.com/rYhFj0ZHyJ
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 30, 2021
Given the talented players they have around them, it is unbelievable what Paul and LeBron have continued to do this over and over again.
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Despite getting older, there is no answer for them on the court. It is safe to say that they have aged like fine wine and despite being the oldest players in their teams; they are undoubtedly the most important.
With the series tied at 2-2, this Lakers and Suns matchup is getting more and more interesting. Will CP3 lead his Suns to the second round or will ‘the King‘ prevail in this battle of the titans?’
