The Los Angeles Lakers finished the regular season at the top position in the Western Conference after 52 wins and 19 losses. However, it wasn’t an ideal resumption in the NBA bubble in Orlando for the LA Lakers. The favourites to win the NBA championship, Lakers have not been able to find their momentum.
Out of the eight matches they have played since the resumption, they have won only three whereas they have lost five. It is not a good sign for them before the playoff stages.
Lakers would have their work cut against the Portland Trail Blazers, who have been on the roll since the restart. The Trail Blazers have played eight matches out of which they have won six whereas they have lost only two. However, the Lakers hold the advantage over Trail Blazers by 2-1 in the regular season before the bubble.
There is no doubt that the Lakers would need to be at the top of their game to beat an in-form team like the Portland Trail Blazers. Furthermore, they would need to be cautious of Damian Lillard, who is in the form of his life. Lillard recently scored 61 points against Dallas Mavericks to take his team to win almost single handedly.
On the other hand, LA Lakers superstar Anthony Davis has been under the scrutiny as he hasn’t been at his best since the restart. Davis would like to turn the tables and deliver the goods for his team.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis was full of praise for Damian Lillard and added that the Trail Blazers will be a tough opponent.
Davis said while interacting with the media, “He’s balling right now. He’s hot. He’s doing whatever he’s doing, whatever he can do to make his team win… Playing a ton of minutes.”
He added, “You guys do your best to contain him and take away some of his tendencies. But they also have all the dawgs to make the plays as well so they’re a tough opponent. But everybody knows what level he is on his mindset.”
Davis also added that there is always more pressure on the favourite team as everyone expects them to win whereas there is not much pressure on the underdog side as there is not a lot of expectations from them.
Anthony Davis has been averaging 26.1 points per game whereas Damian Lillard had an average of 30 points per game in the regular season.
The LA Lakers will take on the Portland Trail Blazers on 19th August in the best of the seven matches.
