Lakers vs. Rockets NBA Playoffs preview: LeBron James and Kevin Durant, again

The stage is now set. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets will face off within the first spherical of the NBA playoffs in a matchup formed as a lot by who’s unavailable as who’s.

For the Lakers, the burden tilts closely towards LeBron James. With Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (indirect) sidelined on account of damage, the offensive ecosystem narrows, forcing James into a well-known position as each creator and nearer depth into his profession. There’s additionally a actuality hovering over all of it: This might be the ultimate postseason run of James’ 23-year profession.

Across from him, the Rockets offered a far completely different image. Kevin Durant provides them a singular late-game choice, whereas Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson spherical out a gaggle with a number of methods to use stress.

It leaves a collection outlined in contrast: one celebrity requested to hold an undermanned roster in opposition to one other who can depend on youthful teammates. It additionally places the highlight on whether or not LA can manufacture sufficient offense to maintain peace.

Lakers author Dan Woike and Rockets author Will Guillory give us a primary have a look at the collection.

What is the largest storyline for my staff headed into the playoffs?

Woike: How will the Lakers survive with out Reaves and Dončić?

The Lakers have needed to bear the worst sort of reinvention within the closing 5 video games of the common season, determining the way to play collectively with out their two most necessary gamers. The excellent news, comparatively talking, is that choice No. 3 is James. The dangerous information: At 41, how usually can he empty the tank to maintain them afloat lengthy sufficient to perhaps — perhaps — get Dončić or Reaves again on the court docket.

Despite what the narratives have been, this has been a terrific season for the Lakers. They’re over 50 wins for the second straight yr, went 15-2 in March with a transparent hierarchy and stood down among the greatest competitors within the league. But they did that with Dončić and Reaves in place.

Now, they will enter the postseason within the embryonic levels of no matter this model of their staff is, with tons of room to develop however actual questions on how it is going to prove.

Guillory: How a lot playoff success will Kevin Durant have in his first season with the Rockets?

Houston stunned a lot of the NBA final season in profitable 52 video games and grabbing the West’s No. 2 seed. But ultimately, an absence of expertise and a go-to offensive choice resulted within the Rockets being bounced by Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in a dramatic seven-game, first-round collection.

Enter Kevin Durant, a participant who might assist them handle each issues directly. Although Durant has carried out at an All-NBA degree this season, accidents to Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams, together with offensive struggles by the remainder of the roster, have stored Houston from making the leap many anticipated after Durant’s arrival.

A visit to the second spherical of the playoffs would make the primary yr of the Durant expertise in Houston really feel like successful, even when it comes in opposition to a dedicated Lakers staff. And when you’re there, the playoffs are inclined to reward whoever can face up to the chaos.

For Houston, getting Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengün and the remainder of the younger core extra expertise within the playoffs — and probably their first collection win — can be an enormous win for the current and way forward for the franchise.

Who or what’s the greatest X-factor for my staff?

Woike: Deandre Ayton. He’s one of the crucial proficient gamers on the Lakers. He has a mushy contact, can shield across the basket and be an element on the glass on each side of the court docket.

He can be ineffective, frustratingly disengaged and performed fully off the court docket. With a lot offensive firepower on the shelf, an energized Ayton can fill among the offensive void. He will be an inside presence. He’s proven he is usually a difference-maker.

It simply hasn’t been constant. And it simply hasn’t been capable of be counted on.

Guillory: Tari Eason. Şengün and Thompson will get many of the nationwide recognition — and deservedly so — for the leaps they made of their particular person video games this season, particularly with VanVleet and Adams lacking time. But Eason is a participant who could make this staff look inept or unstoppable based mostly on his efficiency.

When he’s on, Houston’s measurement and athleticism on the perimeter can overwhelm opponents, particularly in opposition to a Lakers’ staff brief on playmaking with out Dončić and Reaves. Eason’s exercise on the offensive glass and his skill to create turnovers on protection feed into Houston’s greatest strengths. When he is doing all of the little issues, Thompson, Şengün and Jabari Smith can concentrate on the issues they do greatest. Eason’s success additionally takes stress off reserves like Reed Sheppard and Josh Okogie, who the Rockets would in all probability favor to maintain within the 20 to 25 minute vary.

When Eason is off, although, the Rockets’ offensive spacing will get funky. His poor decision-making with the ball can disrupt their circulate and usually results in extra isolation-ball from Durant and Şengün.

Even although Sheppard’s maturation has been one of many brightest elements in Houston this yr, I do not assume coach Ime Udoka desires to enter any of those video games feeling like he must rely upon his second-year guard to play large minutes. That will rely upon Eason’s play. If he performs effectively, I do not assume the Lakers have a lot of an opportunity.

What is the Achilles heel/greatest concern for my staff?

Woike: Guard play. The Lakers have needed to survive with Luke Kennard as their major ballhandler. Marcus Smart ought to assist. Jake LaRavia and Bronny James might get some seems. But in the end, the offensive accountability runs via James, and that huge burden will undoubtedly have penalties throughout the court docket.

Guillory: Turnovers. When Houston takes care of the ball and retains its off-ball motion sharp, they turn into far more tough to cease. Teams should ship a number of our bodies to decelerate Durant and Şengün.

But when the decision-making slips, it commonly turns into live-ball turnovers and straightforward baskets on the opposite finish. The Lakers uncovered that of their win at Houston on March 16, forcing 9 fourth-quarter turnovers because the Rockets’ offense crumbled within the clutch. Lately, the Rockets’ turnover numbers have been dramatically lowered. To nobody’s shock, the wins have additionally began stacking up consequently. Houston has to maintain doing what’s labored currently and not enable the stress of the playoffs to hurry its offense up.

Biggest purpose for optimism for my staff?

Woike: Maybe the basketball gods will reward the Lakers for his or her March and present them with some unbelievable medical information with Dončić and/or Reaves. Otherwise, it is LeBron James, this era’s best participant, attempting to drag off a miracle.

On March 18 in opposition to the Rockets, LeBron James scored 30 factors on a near-perfect 13-of-14 capturing. (Thomas Shea / Imagn Images)

Guillory: The Rockets are taking part in their greatest basketball of the season heading into the playoffs. They received eight in a row earlier than dropping Friday’s sport in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and six of these wins have come by double-digits. One of their most spectacular performances of the season got here earlier this week, once they overcame an early 21-point deficit in an emotional sport in opposition to Durant’s former staff, the Suns, then proceeded to steamroll them the remainder of the way in which en path to a 14-point victory. All of the distinguished figures in Houston’s rotation performed effectively that night time. The victory confirmed how a lot this group’s psychological toughness has improved.

Although there have been questions concerning the Rockets’ cohesion all season, they’ve seemingly come collectively on the good level within the season.

Which staff must win the collection extra and why?

Woike: Houston. For the Lakers, accidents have turned this into home cash. A win can be legendary for LeBron. A loss can be the anticipated end result after some rotten damage luck.

Guillory: Given the Lakers’ accidents, the Rockets need to win this collection. They haven’t any selection. If Dončić and Reaves aren’t capable of play at any level on this collection, I feel it is a catastrophe if Houston permits this collection to transcend six video games.

Series prediction:

Woike: Rockets in 6. There are paths for the Lakers to win this collection if they’ll work out the way to get into their offense, however the Rockets’ greatest energy — their perimeter measurement and athleticism — matches up favorably in opposition to a Lakers staff with out its beginning backcourt. LeBron can get them throughout the end line a pair instances, however in all probability not 4.

Guillory: Rockets in 5. I’ve sufficient respect for LeBron and JJ Redick that it would not shock me in the event that they discovered a approach to sneak out a win in one of many video games in LA. But with all the scale and athleticism Houston brings to the desk, the Lakers simply do not have the our bodies or shotmaking to make this a collection.

He in all probability will not admit it, however there should even be a small a part of Durant that will be delighted on the considered holding a 3-1 collection benefit over LeBron of their head-to-head playoff matchups. He’ll be motivated to carry out effectively on this collection, even when it is not to outshine LeBron. Durant is aware of how a lot his aggression evokes his youthful teammates, so I count on him to come back out ultra-aggressive to set the tone.