The Los Angeles Lakers squandered their chance to wrap the series and proceed to the next round in the last game. It has been a pattern that the team is following of not winning important games. Something like this happened in the regular season as well against the Los Angeles Clippers. The purple and gold could have qualified directly for the playoffs. But in order to do so, they needed a win against their arch-rival, but it all went down the drain. Similarly, LA failed to seal the deal in game 5 to have the opportunity for more rest and better recovery.
The Lakers were overpowered by the Memphis Grizzlies at their home court with 116-99 in game 5. Almost everything went wrong for Ham’s side, as he can still not rely on his superstar duo. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been going through injuries all throughout their season. Their over usage of the games has also caused them to exhaustion. Therefore it was necessary for the team to take over the series as soon as possible. However, if they mess up their chance again, they will have to play the seventh game as the decider in the Fed Ex Forum.
Looking at the condition the series is in, the next game is going to be all out for both teams. The Grizzlies would want to defend their chance of qualifying by taking the series to the last game. And the Lakers would want to avoid coming back to Memphis for game 7. It will be a test to the limit, and the team that would persist more would deserve to stay in the postseason. Meanwhile, coach Darvin Ham is doing everything to make his team worthy of the next round.
These Are The Three Adjustments That Can Offer The Lakers Stability
Inside > Outside
It is remarkable how identical the teams are in terms of scoring their points on the court. Both of them have been good in running to the rims, but they both have been equally poor from long range. However, with Steven Adams and Brandon Clarks missing for the Grizzlies, LA should have easily dominated the insides. But they only have four more points than their playoff opponents.
In order to fix this, LeBron will have to flick his point-scoring switch and put Jaren Jackson under pressure.
Actions When AD Sits On Bench
The 29-year-old has been a solid presence on the court, but there is only one problem what happens when he rests. There is no one as capable, or at least someone who can defend the rim, like Davis. But Ham will have to take care of this problem if he wants to dominate the game.
“I’ll play 48,” AD said after Game 5. “This is what you prepare the entire season for,” said Davis after the loss. It looks like he is ready to give his all for not playing game 7. But if not, Wenyen Gabriel and Mo Bamba will have to stop the Grizzlies.
A Rotation Plan For Lakers
According to the news, Ham is considering the rotation very seriously before game 6. And he will have to because he has not made any significant changes in the lineup. If Ham wants his team to do well while the starters rest, he will have to pick Malik Beasley and Brown Jr., But their performance has not been the best, which might not have given Ham much confidence in their ability.
But it will all boil down to the Lakers superstars, who will be the major players to look out for. A do or die situation and platform perfectly suited for the star players to shine.