NBA Playoffs must-follow storylines: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Key Matchup: LeBron James vs. Portland’s wings
LA’s concerns for Damian Lillard will be addressed shortly, but the Lakers aren’t the ones looking to play upset. The Blazers have to figure out how to beat the Lakers, not the other way around. Any gameplan to do so involves slowing LeBron James, requiring personnel Portland doesn’t have.
Assuming their bubble starting lineup holds to form, James will have the luxury of matching up against a 36-year-old Carmelo Anthony. Melo might not back down from the challenge of taking on one of his good friends, but that doesn’t magically gift him the necessary foot speed he lacked even in his prime.
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Behind Anthony sits Mario Hezonja, a reputably awful defender. As well as he’s played offensively, Gary Trent Jr. is just 6’5” and 209 pounds. Zach Collins is more suited to protect the rim than swarm the perimeter, but he’s out for at least Game 1.
Unfortunately for the Blazers, their best option to throw out LeBron is outside the bubble. Trevor Ariza’s 7’2” wingspan has helped him carve out a career as your prototypical 3-and-D wing. In the lone game he faced LeBron this season, Ariza limited the King to 2-of-10 shooting.
Whatever advantage Lillard has over LA’s guards, LeBron has an equal one over Portland’s frontcourt. Perhaps even more against one of the worst defenses all season long that lacks the individuals or team effort to properly mitigate what should be their No. 1 priority.