via Imago
Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (23) and Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard (2) chase the ball during an NBA basketball game between Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 111-106. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
via Imago
Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (23) and Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard (2) chase the ball during an NBA basketball game between Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 111-106. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
Both the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers are eyeing the NBA championship this season. The teams have performed extremely well in the postseason so far. Currently, the Clippers hold a 3-1 lead over the Denver Nuggets, while the Lakers are hoping to accomplish the same in Game 4 vs the Rockets.
However, at the end of the day, only one team can represent the Western Conference in the NBA finals. And, according to NBA analyst Skip Bayless, as of now, the Clippers are better than the Lakers. After their Game 4 victory against the Nuggets, Skip Bayless believes the Clippers defense is best in the league.
“What you saw last night should horrify you because that team [Clippers] is just better than your team. That team is mentally and physically tougher on the defensive side of the ball. That team, when it decides to, can absolutely suffocate anybody including LeBron and AD in company,” said Bayless.
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"The Clippers are just better than your Lakers. They are mentally and physically tougher on the defensive side of the ball. When they decide to, the Clippers can absolutely suffocate anybody — including LeBron and AD."@RealSkipBayless pic.twitter.com/aCfhW62iU0
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) September 10, 2020
The Clippers probably have the best overall team built in the entire league. However, their only weak link is inconsistency from Paul George. After a forgettable first-round series, PG13 has improved a lot. As a result, the Clippers are a notch better against the Nuggets.
Moreover, their fantastic defense was on full display in Game 4. Skip might be right, this Clippers team could go all the way to the finals, given they continue playing the same level of defense.
Should LeBron James and the Lakers be worried?
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When it comes to sheer star power, the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis are probably at the top of the ladder. However, there is no ‘I’ in the team and that’s what the Lakers need to realize at this point in the postseason.
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King James and AD are more than capable of destroying any defense when they are in a groove. But when they are on the bench, the second wave needs to maintain the momentum. That method worked out well for the Lakers in Game 3, as Rondo went off during crunch time.
If the Lakers maintain the same energy in the upcoming games, they should be able to take on the Clippers. The only question is, can the Lakers bench step up their game?
