On paper, you might look at the standings and consider the Lakers as underdogs to come out of the West this season. But now that the playoffs have begun, and the Lakers are firmly in the title race, they aren’t thinking about their win-loss record.
In a press conference with the media this weekend, Anthony Davis shrugged off the notion of seeding and the idea that the Lakers are a tier below the 2nd seeded Grizzlies.
“I think seeding doesn’t matter,” said Lakers big man Anthony Davis, via ESPN Dave McMenamin. “Once you get in, it’s all about matchups and things like that. We don’t look at ourselves as underdogs, obviously.”
LeBron shares a similar view and told the media that the playoffs are essentially the start of a clean slate for the 16 teams involved.
“It’s 16 teams in the postseason, and there’s opportunity for all 16,” James said. “Everyone’s record is 0-0 now and we’re playing against a very worthy opponent and we respect them a lot. So we just got to be ready for the challenge.”
The Lakers play Game 1 tomorrow in Memphis, and it’s sure to be a chaotic atmosphere as Ja Morant and the Grizzlies look to prove that they are the new kings of the West.
Anthony Davis Is The X-Factor For The Lakers
We already know what to expect from LeBron James and Anthony Davis also has a history of showing up in big moments. Still, there is an uneasy feeling when it comes to AD and his ability to stay healthy and play aggressively for multiple rounds of the playoffs.
In short, the Lakers will only go as far as AD takes them, whether it’s for better or worse.
“I’m always worried about Anthony Davis,” Smith said. “Every time he falls to the floor, I’m worried about him not getting up. I mean I don’t give a damn what it is okay? He can trip over himself and nobody could touch him and I’m saying please get up. That’s what I’m worried about with Anthony Davis.”
We will find out soon enough how AD’s body holds up after another injury-riddled season, but he seems to be healthy now and that bodes well for L.A.’s title hopes.
So with both stars playing at a high level, with a strong supporting cast, the Purple and Gold have every reason to be confident about how they stack up against the best of the best.
