One of the vital intriguing first-round playoff matchups pits the third-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in opposition to the sixth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers.
As these groups put together to battle for a spot within the Western Convention semifinals, rigidity continues to construct.
Former participant for each franchises, Patrick Beverley, has recognized three important query marks dealing with the Lakers heading into this sequence—with one surprisingly specializing in LeBron James.
Beverley’s first concern facilities on who will guard Timberwolves’ rising famous person Anthony Edwards.
Whereas Jarred Vanderbilt seems to be the first candidate, Beverley has severe doubts about this matchup.
“There’s a few individuals. Vando, can he decelerate Ant? Can he guard totally different positions? Can he hit the nook three?” Beverley questioned, highlighting each defensive and offensive considerations for the Lakers ahead.
Beverley’s second query mark revolves round Rui Hachimura‘s availability and effectiveness.
The ahead struggled with health points all through the latter a part of the common season, doubtlessly compromising the Lakers’ rotational depth.
“Rui… can he be wholesome, can he make photographs, can he keep aggressive all through the entire playoff sequence?” Beverley puzzled.
Maybe most surprisingly, Beverley recognized LeBron James because the Lakers’ third main x-factor.
Drawing from his expertise with Minnesota, Beverley believes the Timberwolves will intentionally goal the 39-year-old famous person on protection.
“The third one lots of people gained’t perceive this one however they should. It’s LeBron James. I performed for Minnesota, I form of perceive their blueprint of going about issues. They may attempt to assault LeBron James each play,” Beverley revealed.
“They may check LeBron James this sequence, little question about it. They gonna put him in numerous actions, numerous decide and roll actions, numerous iso actions. He has to not solely him, the Lakers should discover a strategy to comprise the ball.”
Regardless of these considerations, the Lakers stay among the many favorites to make a deep playoff run this 12 months. Below new coach JJ Redick, they’ve proven important enchancment in the course of the common season.
