NBA Analyst Skeptical About Lakers LeBron James’ Chances of Survival in the Playoffs

The Los Angeles Lakers have not won the playoff series since 2012 and are looking to get rid of this dry spell. They have gone six consecutive seasons without making it to the playoffs but have really turned it around for themselves this time. Not only did they make it to the playoffs, but also ended at the first seed of the Western Conference. In their tussle, the Portland Trail Blazers will be their first barrier.

The Portland Trail Blazers made their way into the playoff bracket after winning the one-of-a-kind play-in tournament against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Lakers last faced the Blazers in the 2000 Western Conference Finals, a series that went till 7 games. This series is also most likely to go down to the wire.

Tough for LeBron James this season?

The new arrangements made by the league after the coronavirus pandemic has not been an easy adjustment. Players have had to go through very different routines, constant testing, quarantines, social distancing and so much more. This shift has had an impact on a lot of teams and their players’ performances in the Orlando bubble. MVP finalist LeBron James is also no exception to this situation.

This undeniable consequence is one that Shannon Sharpe from Undisputed also believes in. When asked whether winning a championship inside the bubble will be LeBron’s biggest challenge or not, he said, “I do, because what the bubble has done is remove all of the hard work you’ve done to get the #1 seed.”

He explains that it is essential to get that number one seed in case the game goes till 7. However, when it’s inside an environment like the bubble, things are not the same. He stated, “It has also removed the comfort of a normal routine… All the routine that you would normally have, has gone away. Now you’ve got to establish new routines”.

Sharpe lists down all the amazing titles that some of the Lakers players hold. “They have a potential MVP, they have an all NBA player and two All-Stars”. However, he also establishes that teams like Rockets and Clippers also have players with plenty of titles and as much potential as the Lakers. “So yes, I believe this would be his most difficult role.”

Where are the Lakers headed?

Sharpe also mentioned that it is also the expectations from players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis that make this playoff even tougher. Lakers do have the ability to stifle the Blazers with this star-studded duo, preventing them from getting easy buckets.

The clear favorites are only looking to disappoint their critics but not their fans.