LeBron James and Golden State Warriors have had a famous rivalry ever since he played for Cleveland Cavaliers. James led his hometown franchise to an NBA Championship victory in 2016, beating the Warriors in the finals. He also led the Cavaliers to three more finals against the same opponent. However, the Warriors came out the winner on those three occasions. On top of that, the Warriors are the defending champions as well.
Hence, Stephen Curry led side proved that they are the best team in the current generation. Many experts in NBA Universe like to compare the Golden States Warriors to the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s. Steph Curry has been the Pied Piper for the Warriors all these times, and LeBron James moved to the Lakers from the Cavaliers in 2018. However, the rivalry between Curry and James has always been there. As a result, whenever they meet in the playoffs, not necessarily in the finals but at any stage, it is a big deal. A similar situation may arrive in the second round of the playoffs this year.
Will There Be Another LeBron James Vs Warriors Playoff Clash?
The Lakers have pulled off possibly the best upset against the Grizzlies, winning the series 4-2. In Game 5, the Grizzlies came back pretty strong. It looked like the Lakers might give away their advantage of a 3-1 lead. However, they held their nerves to demolish the loudmouth Grizzlies at home. The LeBron James-led side won the Game 6 by a 40 points margin. Ja Morant did well but not well enough. For the LA side in Game 6, D’Angelo Russell was the hero scoring 31 points. It was a nice reply from the Lakers to Dillon Brooks. The Grizzlies man felt that it was supposed to be just a walk in the park for them. But the Lakers had different intentions.
The LA squad is off to the second round. Now who will they face in three days’ time? Sealing the series in 6 games has its privileges. They will take three days’ rest and will travel to either Sacramento or San Francisco. The Lakers have the upper hand over the Warriors in their postseason history. Furthermore, it has been a while since the Lakers met the Warriors in the second round of the playoffs. The two teams last met in 1991 when the Lakers demolished them in five games. Albeit, the LA side met the San Francisco franchise back in 2021 in the play-in round. The Lakers won on that occasion as well. Hence, the Warriors have a lot to prove if they meet the Lakers again.
Battle Between Kings & Warriors Boils Down To Game 7
Apparently, the Kings are not willing to give the Warriors a free pass to the second round. De’Aaron Fox has been in superb touch for the Kings and was instrumental in beating the defending champions at their home ground.
Now the Warriors are forced to visit the King’s home court for a Game 7 showdown. It is going to be an exciting battle between Curry and Fox as well. The winner will host LeBron James and the Lakers for Game 1 of the playoffs’ second round.
