USA Today via Reuters
Jan 31, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) defends a shot by Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 31, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) defends a shot by Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers did not seem to be an even match-up. The Lakers were heavy favorites in the Bubble Playoffs, and the Blazers stood nowhere close to them.
If it weren’t for monstrous performances by the Blazers, the cards may have remained stacked the same. Damian Lillard averaged 37.3 points, coupled with 9.6 assists during the Orlando Bubble seeding games. Lillard’s not only earned his team a playoff berth, but the Bubble MVP as well.
The incredible trio of Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, and Carmelo Anthony, along with Nurkic, might upset the crowd favorite Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. If LeBron James and Anthony Davis can regain their form, then it is a different story.
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Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers: Chuck picks his team
Charles Barkley has been rooting for the Blazers since the beginning of the season. And he believes the Blazers have a good chance of defeating King James and AD in the first round. Barkley revealed his views on this match on NBA TNT.
“I don’t think the Lakers can score on them,” he said. “The key to this is gonna be LeBron.
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“If the lakers can win which I don’t believe, LeBron would have to go crazy for four games.
“There is nobody on the Blazers that would have to play well, Lillard can have an off night, McCollum can have an off night, Nurkic can have an Off night, Whiteside can have an off night.” added the former MVP.
Furthermore, Chuck had another strong take, saying, “If the Blazers play any defense and rebound the ball, those are the two stats Imma be watching, if the Lakers shoot over 50% or dominate on the board, they can win, but I don’t think they’re gonna be able to do that.”
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“If they get one game then the Lakers will be in trouble.”@SHAQ and Chuck preview the Blazers/Lakers matchup. pic.twitter.com/EdjtXsKy8a
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) August 18, 2020
It is clear that Charles Barkley has predicted the Blazers will cruise through the series. But if LeBron James brings back his 2018 playoffs form, things will get tough for Lillard and Rip City. Moreover, Anthony Davis’ defense might become the deciding factor for the series. If he shows up his pre-Bubble form, then we’ll have a series to remember for ages.
