The NBA playoffs are here, and the first-round series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies promises to be exciting. While the Lakers are coming off a disappointing regular season, they still have LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading their charge. But the Grizzlies have a young superstar in Ja Morant, who has been a revelation since he arrived in the NBA. According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Morant could be the X-factor in this series and outshine Davis.
Morant’s potential to elevate his team
Smith believes that Morant has the potential to elevate his team and be the difference-maker in this series. The second-year point guard has led the Grizzlies to back-to-back second seed finishes and played well in last season’s playoffs before getting injured. Morant is one of the best players in the NBA and had high-scoring games against the Lakers this season. The Lakers will have their hands full trying to contain him.
Davis facing tough matchups
However, Smith does not expect Davis to have a bad series, especially with two Grizzlies players out due to injury. Davis had a magical playoff run in the 2019-20 season, averaging 27.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 57.1 percent from the field. While Morant may have the ball in his hands more than Davis, he will have to play at a high level to outshine Davis at his peak.
Davis will also have a tough matchup dealing with Defensive Player of the Year candidate Jaren Jackson Jr., who has returned from injury just in time for the playoffs. Jackson will make life difficult for Davis on both ends of the court.
Lakers need to win on the road
The Lakers need to win at least one game on the road to win the series against the Grizzlies who have homecourt advantage. The Lakers’ road record has been poor this season, and they will need to step up their game against a tough Grizzlies team that is looking to make a statement.
Mixed predictions
Predictions have been mixed for this series, with some analysts giving the edge to the Grizzlies due to their depth and youth, while others believe that the Lakers have good odds despite being the No. 7 seed. An NBA executive and scout are picking the Lakers to upset the Grizzlies in the playoffs due to the health of key Lakers players and the absence of injured Grizzlies centers.
Reaves ready for Morant challenge
Meanwhile, Lakers guard Austin Reaves made a statement about guarding Ja Morant during practice on April 14. Reaves, who becomes a restricted free agent this summer, wants to re-sign with the Lakers. He knows that his performance in this series could affect his future with the team.
Smith trusts Morant over Davis
Ultimately, Smith takes LeBron James over anybody else in terms of impacting this series. However, Smith trusts Ja Morant more than Anthony Davis in this series. He expects a big series from Davis but remains adamant that Morant will have a bigger impact on this series. Davis might not like Smith’s Ja Morant truth bomb, but he knows that he will have to bring his A-game if he wants to help his team win this series.
In conclusion, the first-round NBA playoffs series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies promises to be exciting, with some analysts predicting an upset by the Lakers. However, Stephen A. Smith believes that Ja Morant could be the X-factor in this series and outshine Anthony Davis. It remains to be seen who comes out on top, but basketball fans can expect a thrilling series between two talented teams.
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