Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers
Vendetta’s 2021 NBA Playoff Preview series continues with a look at the matchup between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers. Both teams are on the opposite sides of the playoff spectrum than what we would have thought. Does that give Phoenix the edge? Or will LeBron continue to do LeBron things?
Why The Suns Will Win
Two words, one name. Chris Paul. Paul has absolutely been the key to Phoenix’s success this season. Some would argue he’s been playing at an MVP level, but that is another discussion for another time. Yes, this same suns team led by Ricky Rubio went 8-0 in the bubble last season, but the Suns did not have consistent success. The Suns started hot last year but quickly flamed out. That all changed when they made the move to land Chris Paul. Go and look at every team Paul has been on. He has elevated them beyond what you would think that team could do. Paul by himself postponed the Oklahoma City rebuild by a year. That’s impressive.
Devin Booker, who I really need to break up with Kendall Jenner so I can do another simulation, and Deandre Ayton have been more consistent this season. Both with slow starts but eventually found their flow. The team as a whole is posting a top 10 offense and defense. This is the best all-around Suns team in over a decade. Unlike the previous squads headed by the likes of Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash, this is a high octane offense that can also get a stop every so often. That’s kind of scary.
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Why The Lakers Will Win
Sometimes in life there are things that cannot be explained. There are people in this world that no matter what happens, things will always go in their favor. Tom Brady is an example. Everything that man does works out in his favor. LeBron James is another. Man gets punched in the face and claims he’s seeing three rims and nails the game winning 3. No matter how bad everyone else on the Lakers has played, somehow they will take a slim lead in the fourth quarter and pull it off.
Besides acts of destiny, the Lakers have one of the best defenses in the entire league. They aren’t your typical 7th seed. This is the defending champions that are only here because LeBron and Anthony Davis missed over a month and a half each. The Lakers outside those two would not have even made the play-in tournament if they had to play an entire season on their own. Davis will be the deciding factor on if the Lakers are successful or not. Drummond doesn’t really have any impact on the game, KCP and Caruso are really the only other players that can potentially show up. I have no idea where to place Kuzma in all this.
Prediction: Lakers in 6
I think the Lakers get out of this series. It will be fairly tough and I expect a few games to be close until the end. Experience and trust in these kinds of games and moments go a long way. Booker is an amazing player, but he has no playoff experience. While Chris Paul is the key to the Suns pulling an upset, I don’t think he has it in him to pull off this big of an upset. I will always root for chaos so it would actually be fun to be wrong here. But like Brady, I will never count out LeBron until he is officially out. Make sure to stay with Vendetta as we finish up the first round of our 2021 NBA Playoff preview series!
Vendetta Sports Media is sponsored by Monkey Knife Fight, the fastest growing DFS site in the industry. MKF’s unique style and gameplay make betting fun and easy. Use our promo code ‘VENDETTA’ or use the link below to get a 100% instant match on any deposit and let them know that we sent you!
