(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers are just days away from their biggest challenge yet as they are set to face off against the Memphis Grizzlies in the opening round of the playoffs.
There is a lot of speculation about which team will come out on top.
Will LA’s experience trump Memphis’ youthful energy and skill?
On Friday’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith said that he trusts Ja Morant of the Grizzlies more than Anthony Davis of the Lakers.
While he doesn’t think that Davis will have a bad series, he feels that it’ll be tough to slow down Morant and his “electrifying” style of play.
.@stephenasmith says he trusts Ja Morant MORE than Anthony Davis in the Grizzlies-Lakers series pic.twitter.com/PLGuWRIoj9
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 14, 2023
Smith mentioned a lot of variables that will impact this upcoming series.
He said that Jaren Jackson Jr., a defensive powerhouse, could have breakout games and do some excellent things for his team.
He also said that LeBron James could be wildly impactful too.
It sounds like Smith believes that this could end up being a very close series between the two teams.
In the end, he just believes that Morant will be a more reliable and influential player in the opening round.
The Lakers have fought hard to get to this point.
They have overcome a terrible 2-10 start to the season and have surged forward, especially since the February trade deadline.
But the Grizzlies have also battled hard.
Over the last few years, they have transformed themselves into one of the most exciting and competitive young teams in the league.
They tried their best at going far in the playoffs last year but injuries caught up with them.
This season, they are intent on first taking down the former champions and then going all the way to the Finals.
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