“Two-headed Monster”: Lakers’ LeBron James Wary of James Harden and Russell Westbrook’s Challenge

LeBron James had two triple-doubles and a couple of double-doubles in the last five games he played. His spirited play got him an average of 27.4 points, 10.2 rebs, and the same number of assists per game. When you fit Anthony Davis into the equation, the Lakers become lethal.

The Los Angeles Lakers drew a tough challenge from the Blazers with them having in-form Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. And now that round 1 is done and dusted, the Lakers face an even stronger Houston Rockets who have their own killer duo in James Harden and Russell Westbrook.

LeBron is cautious about the incoming trouble

The men in golden and purple finished at top of the table in the seeding games. But their bubble experience has not been just as good. In fact, they lost their last seeding game against the Houston Rockets. Both LeBron and Russell Westbrook missed that game, which James Harden dominated with his 39-point show, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists. The Akron Hammer surely noted that and the past performances when he expressed his take on Rockets’ star duo.

He seemed cautious as he wisely agreed, “We come off playing two-headed monsters in CJ and Dame. We’re going into another two-headed monster to Russ’s speed & athleticism. He’s up there with some of the best in our league, if not THE best. And he just puts so much pressure in the defense. Then we have James, whose ability to knock down a three-ball at a high level, and also be able to pass the ball as well. James has got in him to go out and get 60 if he is going. We got to do a really good job in keeping our hands out of the cookie jar because that’s what it comes to play with James. His ability to make free throws is where he really makes some dynamics. So they have a really good team. They’re very well balanced.”

This statement also suggests how well does The L-Train knows his bubble enemy. 

Los Angeles Lakers defense vs Houston Rockets offense

In the 2019-20 team defensive rankings, Lakers are ranked 3rd while the Rockets are down below on 14th. On the other hand, the Rockets are placed 2nd in the offense as opposed to the 11th of Lakers. Watch this clip from last year to understand their rivalry-

Lakers have Anthony Davis who was a potential Defensive Player of the Year, standing next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Similarly, the Rockets have the best and most feared scorer in the game, James Harden. Depthwise also, the Rockets look stronger than the Lakers if we consider the recent performances coming from the Lakers’ bench. The news is also hot that guard Rajon Rondo can make a comeback in round 2. Now he is a totally different force in the playoffs as he has always fared better in the post-season than in regular season.

One good news for the Lakers can also be the out of form Westbrook who has averaged 14.7 in the three playoff games he has played by far.

The odds definitely favor the Lakers, but it will be an interesting battle.