Lakers’ Star Anthony Davis Heaps Huge Praises on Damian Lillard Ahead of NBA Playoffs

The Los Angeles Lakers finally have an opponent fixed for them – the Portland Trail Blazers. The Lakers were 2-1 in the regular season against the Blazers, but that was before the Orlando bubble. In fact, their last meeting had the Blazers winning it 127-119 in February. Many questions have been raised against the form of Lakers’ Anthony Davis. But it is pivotal for the franchise to have its star forward rising up to the occasion. AD, however, looked very confident and even wise, as he praised the opponents and their abilities.

AD has all the good things to share about Blazers

Recently, in a media interaction, Anthony Davis spoke in detail about how being an underdog takes that pressure off the shoulders. He said, “When you’re underdog, you get wins and winning games you’re not supposed to, you necessarily don’t have a target on your back. When you’re favorite, the pressure is more on you.”

He went on to accept the fact that the Blazers’ side has come a long way since the two Western Conference opponents last played. The addition of Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins has changed a lot many things. The Lakers are now studying this new side ahead of round one.

Most importantly, AD praised Damian Lillard for the kind of game he’s showing. AD confessed, “He’s balling right now. He’s hot. He’s doing whatever he’s doing, whatever he can do to make his team win… Playing a ton of minutes.”

He added, “You guys do your best to contain him and take away some of his tendencies. But they also have all the dawgs to make the plays as well so they’re a tough opponent. But everybody knows what level he is on his mindset.”

Lakers’ offensive issues vs Blazers’ injury issues

The #1 seed Lakers will not have it easy against the Blazers. They’ll have to give every ounce of their strength to beat a team as balanced as Blazers’. The loss against the Sacramento Kings has exposed their weaknesses even more.

On the other hand, the Blazers already have Trevor Ariza and Rodney Hood out. Adding salt to the cut, Zach Collins suffered from an ankle inflammation before their play-in game. It’s a known fact now that CJ McCollum has been playing with an injured back. 

This round does not seem to get folded within the first four matches. We will get to witness a close competition starting August 18 at 9:00 PM ET.