USA Today via Reuters
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and teammates celebrate in a huddle after a three pointer against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and teammates celebrate in a huddle after a three pointer against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers have successfully defeated the comeback kids in Denver Nuggets to make a trip to the finals. They have been off the championship scene since 2010 when Kobe won a championship for the team.
However, the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis have turned fortunes around for the organization. Not only did the Lakers make the NBA finals, but they also did it fashionably. The purple and gold only lost three games in the first three rounds.
Moreover, both Davis and James absolutely torched their opponents in all the series. In Game 5 of the WCF, King James took it upon himself to carry the Lakers in the fourth quarter. He scored 16 of his 38 points in just that quarter.
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James finished the game with a triple-double and earned praise from L.A. supporters all around the globe. But there is one guy who still doesn’t appreciate James’ greatness. Any guesses? Yes, it is none other than Skip Bayless.
Bayless has built a reputation for criticizing James in the last few years. Additionally, in the beginning of the season, Bayless was sure LBJ and the Lakers won’t make it out of the first round. In fact, most of the analysts picked Clippers over the Lakers for the title!
LeBron can freight-train and score at the rim ANY TIME HE WANTS. Question is, why doesn't he attack like this every night???
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) September 27, 2020
Biggest shot of the 4th quarter was not by LeBron. It was Danny Green's three after the Nuggets cut it to 4 points with 4:20 left. That broke it open.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) September 27, 2020
This is LeBron's easiest path to a ring: KD/Kyrie decided not to play. So LBJ got to beat a 35-39 Portland (and Dame got hurt), then the Rockets after Danuel House broke house rules, then the Nuggets instead of Kawhi's Clippers, and now maybe the overachieving Heat. Meant to be.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) September 27, 2020
Honestly, these takes by Skip are flat out ridiculous. The Lakers have faced excellent competition throughout the Playoffs. But they never failed to close out the games, unlike the presumed championship favorites, the LA Clippers.
Additionally, the Nuggets were on fire for this entire playoff run, and they seemed like the team to beat after resilient comebacks in the first two rounds. The Lakers never underestimated them as opponents and made it out of the West.
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Can the Los Angeles Lakers win a title?
USA Today via Reuters
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (middle) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Denver Nuggets game five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
After a stunning series against the Nuggets, all that’s left for the Lakers is to lift the glorious NBA trophy. This championship would mean a lot for L.A. as they are determined to win it more for the late Kobe Bryant.
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The Lakers will face either the Heat or Celtics in the finals, and if they keep this form, they should indeed win it all.
But what do you think? Can the Los Angeles Lakers bring home the championship #17 to staples center?
