Former NBA Player Makes a Big Prediction for Possible Lakers vs Rockets Tie Up for Western Conference Semi-Finals

The Los Angeles Lakers were up to a good start when they played the Los Angeles Clippers at the commencement of the season. The score of 103-101, a close call, came as a big relief to the Lakers. However, the pressure increased after their loss against the Toronto Raptors. This makes their standing in the league very dicey.

The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, really turned their game in the last three minutes against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks were initially leading with a score of 112-104. Russell Westbrook’s clutch free throws, three-pointers, and astounding defense got them a lead of 120-116 and eventually a victory.

Houston Rockets climbing their way up

With a powerful duo like Lebron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers have shown tremendous potential but have also had their downfalls. The Lakers also reached the 50-win mark for the 33rd time in franchise history. But The Houston Rockets have James Harden and Russell Westbrook, the former MVP’s.

In an interview with Get UP by ESPN, Kendrick Perkins and Jay Williams discuss the future of the LA Lakers as the games proceed. Kendrick Perkins talks highly of the Rockets and says,” Two MVP’s in their prime still, James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Listen, both of the games that they played were phenomenal.” He elaborates on the way Westbrook handled Giannis Antetokounmpo in the game against the Milwaukee Bucks. He goes on to say, “Listen, they missed 43 pointers… last night and they still won the game.”

“They are going to be a dangerous team in the Western Conference,” said Perkins.

Should the Lakers be worried?

Jay Williams speaks about how he believes that it could be a tough game for the Lakers if they went up against the Rockets. He says,” They are one game behind the Denver Nuggets for that 3 seed. And if they are able, like I said before, to meet the Lakers in the Western Conference semi-finals, I like the Rockets’ chances.” 

He justifies his opinion by saying, “The reason why I don’t like their [Rockets] chances against the Clippers because the Clippers have the versatility to switch on everything and guard the likes of Russ and James but with the Lakers, that bigger lineup and the small ball can force the Lakers to play smaller and faster and I think that’s where it can be a huge advantage for James Harden and Russell Westbrook”. 

Whether the Lakers face the Rockets in the semi-finals or not will be known soon and their fate in the league will be decided then.

SOURCE: Get Up ESPN