The Los Angeles Lakers are one win away from closing the sequence, and beneath regular circumstances, that might be the one goal that issues. End the job, keep away from pointless danger, and transfer on as rapidly as doable, particularly after constructing a 3-0 lead with out Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Nonetheless, this case shouldn’t be regular, and the context surrounding it’s starting to form selections in a method that goes past a single sport. As a result of what occurred in Recreation 4 raised extra questions than it answered.
Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder would be the Lakers‘ second-round opponent
If the Lakers shut out the sequence, they’re heading straight right into a matchup with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (they only received the sequence in opposition to the Suns), a group that has appeared dominant all through the season and one which presents a totally totally different stage of problem.
With out Dončić and Reaves absolutely wholesome, that sequence borders on unwinnable. Their projected return timeline aligns with the tip of an extended first spherical or the start of the second, which implies timing immediately turns into vital.
The official second-round begin date is Could 4, nevertheless it might transfer as much as Could 2 or 3 relying on how rapidly the first-round sequence ends, and people additional days might decide whether or not the Lakers enter that matchup complete or nonetheless incomplete. In that mild, one sport begins to hold way more weight than traditional.
Recreation 4 of Lakers and Rockets didn’t seem like a standard loss
After going up 3-0, head coach JJ Redick decided that stood out instantly. He gave prolonged minutes to a number of the impossible gamers within the rotation, shifting away from the tighter construction that had outlined the primary three wins.
The end result was not a detailed loss or a sport that slipped away late +
however a 20-point defeat that felt unusually one-sided for a group that had managed the sequence so convincingly. That’s what makes it tough to disregard.
Groups not often lose like that in Recreation 4 after taking a 3-0 lead, particularly not with out a clear aggressive push. Dropping to 3-1 in that method doesn’t simply occur by chance. It raises the query of whether or not priorities in that sport have been totally different from the earlier three.
A harmful gamble within the NBA playoffs for extra time
The thought is uncomfortable, nevertheless it exists. Extending the sequence, even by one or two video games, might purchase the Lakers the precise time they should get Dončić and Reaves again at a significant stage.
Did they lose on objective? The Lakeshow Podcast mentioned this doable conspiracy idea. However for those who look nearer at it, the loss is sensible. An extended first spherical might considerably enhance their possibilities in opposition to Oklahoma Metropolis. On the similar time, the chance is clear.
As soon as a sequence extends, management is not assured. Momentum can shift, opponents alter, and what appeared like a safe 3-0 lead can rapidly change into unstable. The Lakers wouldn’t simply be buying and selling time for restoration; they’d be opening the door to a sequence that not follows the anticipated script.
The Lakers have already seen how a lot one sport can matter. Successful their last regular-season sport secured the No. 3 seed, gave them home-court benefit, and performed a direct position in how they have been capable of take management of this sequence early.
Now they’re dealing with one other second the place a single sport might form all the pieces that follows. In the event that they consider their solely reasonable probability in opposition to Oklahoma Metropolis is determined by being absolutely wholesome, then the temptation to purchase time might be robust, even when it carries vital danger.
Observe
