The stage has been set. Lebron vs Curry part IV. Get your popcorn out because this one is going to be a wild ride for a second round series. Half the world is picking the Warriors based mostly off the past decade and the fact that Steph poured in 50 on 38 attempts against one of the worst defenses in the league…Congratulations. The other half of the world is picking the Lakers based on Lebron’s last two decades and the fact that a white boy shows flashes every other game, a cast out Japanese player looked the best he’s ever looked in a first round series and the hope and prayers that AD doesn’t lose a limb and Lebron doesn’t break a hip. So where does this leave us? Lebron is in year 20 and has the opportunity to chase his fifth ring, while his rival from the second decade has had a super team from day one has a chance to show the world that he might be the best point guard of all time.
Before I release the keys of victory for both sides, lets just lay out the stats for the two legends when playing against each other in the playoffs (all in the finals).
Series Wins
Steph Curry- 3 (15 games)
Lebron James-1 (7 games)
Is this the ultimate 3-1 comeback?
PPG/RPG/APG
Steph Curry- 25.4 (42.4% shooting percentage), 5.9, 6.3
Lebron James- 33 (48.1 shooting percentage), 11.5, 9.3
I would expect Curry to play considerably better than his averages considering he has much less help and Lebron to most likely be close in every category besides scoring because HE ACTUALLY HAS HELP. What are the chances it took 20 years aside from a couple Miami years for Lebron to finally have a roster that can let him cook HIS way?
Warriors keys to victory:
- Entice Lebron into shooting 3’s EARLY.
Lebron has always received high praise for his pace of play. From during the regular season to be ready in the playoffs to now, taking off defensive possessions or quarters as the primary scorer so he can be ready to go all in when the time comes. Coming from one of the biggest LeBron supporters you will ever hear from, his 3pt shooting has been abysmal. He shot 32.1% from beyond the arc in the regular season, while the league average was at 36.1%. He shot a whopping 19.5% from 3 in the round one series against the Lakers. He attempted almost 7 per game and the issue becomes with conserving energy and when he feels hot he puts them up. While he ironically knocks a couple through that are much deeper than necessary, this is his Achilles heal right now. If I were the Warriors I am much less concerned about him seeing the ball go through the net and getting him going downhill. Force LeBron into attempting a couple of early 3’s and you are actually hoping they fall through. If they go through, he decides to continue popping them off. This is a way to throw his entire offensive game off for multiple possessions.
2. Try to get physical with AD and hope you can rebound like round one
The story of the round one series win against the Sacramento Kings was Kevon Looney absolutely terrorizing the Kings on the boards. Aside from what some may say, Looney is barely above a bum. But credit is given, he is at an all time high effort level, but the bodies the Lakers will have to throw against Looney and whoever is at center for the Warriors is a totally different animal. Anthony Davis is averaging 14 rebounds per game in the playoffs and I would expect him to be at 15+ if he is on is A game in this series. AD can get totally cast out of games though, and it all begins with physicality. While we are all hoping Davis is at his full powers for the entire stretch, you hold your breath every single time he hits the ground. If the Warriors are able to bother him mentally while he is on offense and find a way to wear him out defensively they might have a chance. I do think the Lakers have bottom of the roster bodies to toss at the Warriors to rest Anthony Davis, but this is going to be a major factor for both teams.
3. LeBron goes out and Steph goes in
The biggest advantage the Lakers had during their first series, was LeBron was not required to do everything. His rest is crucial to his game as he is practically 40 years old. Steve Kerr is one of the top coaches in the league and as decorated as they come, so I don’t suppose this is breaking news. But a way to kill the Lakers mojo is to rain down on them when LeBron is on the bench. How many times have we watched a game in LeBron’s career where the camera pans to him taking a breather on the bench while the other team goes on a run. His body cannot hold up if he has to continue coming in to attempt to stop and slow down a run. I would be ensuring Steph was on the court as much as possible while LeBron is taking a seat.
Lakers keys to victory:
- Figure out the best POSSIBLE way to bother Steph
This will be quite interesting tonight. Who is going to start guarding Steph? I think more than previously in this legendary matchup, LeBron’s team has legit defenders to swarm at Steph Curry. Starting out it will be either Vanderbilt or Reaves. While obviously with the marathon that Steph runs around screens you cannot always determine who is on him to end a possession, I think Vando has by far their best chance. His length with help with passing lanes and give them the best chance at contesting his shots. I also think as a sleeper character, Dennis Schroeder is always up for sprinting. Not afraid to get into his shorts and play feisty we have seen Steph make boneheaded decisions here and there in big moments and a lot of that comes from the mental. You will not stop Steph, but can you get him to shoot a couple extra 3s that aren’t going in? Can you entice him into the block party that will be ready for him down low?
2. Find the hot hand and let them COOK
The Lakers have this all of a sudden extremely deep team and it came to life on a big stage against Memphis. In a game one victory Lebron (21) and AD (22) combined for 43 points while Rui Hachimura (29) and Austin Reaves (23) combined for 52 points. Rui had what seemed to be the game of his life but this was just the beginning of playing the hot hand game. In a game three victory Lebron (25) and AD (31) were solid all game long but D’Angelo Russell still poured in 17 and Rui played solid once again with 16. In their third win of the series the Lakers had six players score more than 12 points including Jarred Vanderbilt and Dennis Schroeder, most importantly a huge 3 pointer by Schroeder in what should have been a game winner. To close out the series in game six, Los Angeles closed out the series torching the Grizzlies with a 40 point victory, while receiving 31 points from D-Lo. The Lakers have as much scoring and defensive options as any team left in the playoffs, but finding who is cooking early on can lead to an extremely efficient and RESTED LeBron. This will allow LeBron to be at the peak of his powers as a point forward, be able to play strong defense and not be as worn down on his drives.
3. Steal one of the first two away games
While both of these teams were low seeds, (Warriors 6 and Lakers 7) the Warriors really lucked out at a home court second round series. Golden State is phenomenal at home and the absolute worst on the road. If the Lakers are able to steal one of the first two games I think they will end up winning the series. Although the Warriors defenders will say they won game seven on the road against the Kings, this just feels different to me. Golden State ended the regular season with an 11-30 road record but a dominant 33-8 home record. To put this in perspective a team such as the Charlotte Hornets won 14 games on the road while ending up as the second worst team in the Eastern Conference. They were all out awful.
Prediction:
I think the Lakers win this series in 6 games *IF* LeBron and Davis are healthy. The matchups down low will be too much for the Warriors to overcome. The dynasty falls by the hands of the GOAT.
Hooplaw Sports 
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