Part V: Curry vs Lebron

 

            In the most highly anticipated second round matchup, we didn't get the exact outcome in the series as the Lakers cruised past the Warriors in six games to take the series and head back to the western conference finals for the first time since 2020. 

            This series was the first time that Lebron James would face off against Steph Curry in the Warriors in a playoff round other than the NBA Finals. It wouldn't a Lebron vs Curry matchup without high expectations and lots of headlines coming in. 

            The Warriors were one of my favorites to go all the way this year and repeat what they did last year, but just like that they are out in the second round. With the Lakers advancing to the conference finals, this just further proves that they absolutely won the trade deadline.

            Their big splash was landing D'Angelo Russell and then an array of other minor moves that heavily benefitted them and have lead them to where they are currently. Many people were focused on the trades that the Suns made to get KD or what the Mavs did to get Kyrie, but in the end the Lakers made some sneaky good acquisitions to confirm that they did indeed win this year's trade deadline.

            The Lakers played an all-around great series and you could see right after game 1 that there was something special with this team after beating the Warriors in San Francisco. Lebron is giving it all he's got because he knows and the rest of the league knows that this could be the best chance he gets at another finals appearance to end his career.

            The big three of DLO, AD, and Lebron has not disappointed but the real highlight has been the presence of the role players on the Lake Show. Role players such as Austin Reaves stepping up, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, or even Lonnie Walker having a game named after him in the "Lonnie Walker game." 

            Obviously you need stars to win in the NBA, but having essential role players at your side to knock down shots, get big shots, and hustle all game is even more important. We've seen past experiments with Lebron and AD trying to lead this team by themselves and it hasn't worked, but now, similar to the bubble season in 2020, the role players are stepping up when it is needed.

            The Lakers will go onto face the Nuggets in the conference finals in a rematch from the bubble's western conference finals. As for the Warriors, is this the last we see from the dynasty or will they continue to push for championships in seasons to come. If it is the last time, it sure has been a long and great ride, but I think this won't be the last we've seen from the Dubs.