NBA Playoff Preview: Lakers In 5

Realizing that I can't fire each blog off before the game starts I am skipping the Pistons VS Knicks preview but in summary I'm rooting for Detroit but they may be one year away from a run and even though Detroit won the season series 3-1 I have to believe New York protects home court. Knicks in 7.

Todays play: DET +7, Brunson 35+ PRA, Cunningham 40+ PRA, KAT 39+ PRA. (+675 @DKSportsbook)

The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at crypto.com arena to start the Western Conference 3-6 matchup. A series that features 2 of the games youngest and biggest stars, Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards, a former Laker seeking revenge, Julius Randle, and oh yeah, a guy named Lebron James will have the basketball world and NBA media with their eyes peeled and narratives spinning.

Luka VS Ant

We may be in the midst of a budding rivalry for years to come that began just last year. Doncic, as a part of the Mavericks, faced Edwards and the Timberwolves in last years Western Conference Finals, and though the series ended in just 5 games, the head to head matchup did not disappoint. Luka averaged 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists while Edwards averaged 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Both superstars are known for putting the team on their back in the biggest moments and this series will be full of them. The difference in their matchup this year is clear, Luka's on the Lakers with a supporting cast of Lebron James and Austin Reaves in a career year. Edwards saw KAT shipped out of town and seems to mesh well with Julius Randle as his Robin.

The two young stars have immense respect for each others game and this time Edwards will be ready to step up when Luka crosses the centerline, especially after last years game 5.

"That motherfucker came out and made four threes from one step inside half court." -Edwards on Doncic in game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.

Edwards is searching for a finals appearance of his own and there's a sour taste in the mouths of the Timberwolves players that remain from last years squad so they'll be more than prepared to take on this new look Lakers team.

Julius Randle Returns

Julius Randle was drafted with the 7th pick of the 1st round in the 2014 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers and spent his first four years with LA before they renounced his rights as a part of the move to bring in Anthony Davis to pair with Lebron James. Since his departure, Randle has averaged 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists for 3 teams. Randle has moments in which he dominates the game and has become a star in todays game.

I have to think that is some sort of motivating factor for Randle, facing the team that drafted him with a chance to knock them out of the playoffs. Not only that, but Randle played along side Lakers head coach JJ Reddick and jokingly stated he hated him in a recent interview. Lastly, I believe we will see a lot of Randle matched up against the guy that co-signed his exit, Lebron James.

As a lakers fan, those are my favorite two narratives heading into game one but how do these teams stack up against one another?

The Wolves closed the season 8-1 in their last 9 and playing some of the best basketball of their season. Edwards is the focal point averaging just over 27 per game and syncs well with Randle and defensive big man Rudy Gobert. The wolves 5th ranked defense will pose a threat but slowing down Lebron and Luka in the playoffs muster a tough challenge for anyone.

The Lakers have gone 20-13 since acquiring Doncic but seemed to mesh at the right time to secure the 3rd seed in a daunted western conference. Lead by the force of Luka Doncic, posting 28-8-8 splits since joining the team, the Lakers will be looking to impress immediately, who are hosting their first game one in nearly 5,000 days.

As prepared as the wolves may be, this is why LA went to get Luka. To pair him and Lebron for one more run at a championship and hang banner number 18. With Austin Reaves in a career year, Lebron still the king, and set shooters in each corner, the Lakers take this series in a gentleman's sweep.

Parlay: Reaves 3+ 3's, Lakers ML, Lebron 40+ PRA, & Luka 4+ 3's

"LAKERS IN 5" -Shannon Sharpe. Play the music