NBA superstars LeBron James (left) and Nikola Jokic (right)

 

LeBron James and the Lakers provided the essentials this Tuesday against the Pelicans (110-106): they will participate in the playoffs and therefore in the title race. The problem is that they fall on the Nuggets in the first round, which made the King react.

 

The Lakers proved it at the start of the year with the famous In-Season Tournament, they know how to mobilize and win important matches. So despite great inconsistency throughout the season, LeBron James and his teammates were able to use their experience to gain strength and win this Play-in match against Zion Williamson ‘s Pelicans .

 

In a fairly defensive match, the King still stood out with 23 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 interceptions and 2 blocks, where Anthony Davis recorded a new double-double with 20 units, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks. If we add to this the 21 points from D’Angelo Russell, who will clearly be the team’s 3rd offensive option, we obtain a confident group before starting the race for the title.

 

LeBron James announces the color to the Nuggets

 

And it will take at least that to stand up to their tormentors from last season in the conference final. After taking a scathing 4-0, Darvin’s men will try to do better and even create a surprise against Denver. Asked about this confrontation in the locker room, LeBron James was rather clear on the recipe to use for his team.

 

 

What immediately comes to mind is that they are the defending champions. They know what it takes to go the distance, they know how to win, and they have been extremely dominant at home for a few years now. They have an MVP on the team, a point guard who can take control of a game in the clutch, other very intelligent players and a great coach.

 

We’re going to have to play perfect basketball to make it difficult for them. If we play the whole series at our best level, and they play at their best level, then everything should come down to a few possessions. We will see who is best able to execute their game plan in these moments.

 

For LeBron James, if both teams are 100% over the 7 potential meetings, then everything will be decided within a few possessions. We will then have to see who will be best able to make the difference on the floor. He has the experience at the age of 39, but Nikola Jokic still has the confidence from the ring won last June. What is certain is that we are likely to see a very good spectacle on this first round.

 

After the conference final last year, Lakers and Nuggets will have to decide between themselves in the first round of the playoffs. LeBron James knows that the task promises to be complicated, but he knows that with perfect matches in execution, anything is possible.