The Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets’ playoff series tips off this Saturday. Obviously, the Lakers will be without their top two scorers.
The media has discussed how vital players like Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and Rui Hachimura will be on the court. With that being said, it makes you wonder: How do the Rockets feel about this series? How do they view the injuries to the Lakers’ star players?
I was lucky enough to catch up with a former colleague and friend, Lachard Binkley, the credentialed beat reporter for Sports Illustrated covering the Houston Rockets. If you’re a Houston Rockets fan, chances are you’re very familiar with his work.
I asked Lachard five questions to help Lakers fans better understand the mindset of the Rockets going into this series. His answers were insightful and informative. So, let’s take a look at how the opponent views this series, coming directly from one of the most plugged-in reporters covering the Houston Rockets.
Potential Mismatch
From the Rockets’ point of view, what’s the biggest mismatch in this series and why are fans confident it’ll actually hold up over 7 games if needed?
“If you are looking at from the Rockets’ point of view, it has to be Alperen Sengun against the Lakers’ front court. Even though the Lakers start Deandre Ayton, the Rockets feel that unless the Lakers double team Sengun, he will be able to get whatever shot he wants around the basket.”
Matching up against LeBron
How do Rockets fans feel about dealing with LeBron James in a playoff setting at this stage of his career? Is he still seen as a force to be reckoned with?
“I think any team that faces LeBron even to this day are cautious about facing him in the playoffs. Even at this point of his career, the Rockets know he can still have a few-game stretch where he takes over the series. The Rockets will make it a point to try and take the ball out of his hands as much as possible.”
Biggest Concern
What’s the biggest concern Rockets fans have about this matchup that national media isn’t talking about?
“The biggest concern for the Rockets as it has been all season is three-point shooting. Even though the Rockets finished the season ranked 10th in percentage they have been one of the lowest volume three-point shooting teams in the league, which means if they are not making shots from deep, they could lose the math game to the Lakers if they are making their three-pointers.”
Series Swing
If the series swings the Lakers’ way early without AR and Luka, what do you think Rockets fans will point to as the reason?
“If we are talking about from the Rockets fans’ standpoint (not mine) they would probably blame Ime Udoka just because they feel he has struggled with play calling and rotation all season. More than likely they will point to his lack of creativity on offense or not playing a certain player enough.”
Sense of Urgency
How do Rockets fans view this series in terms of timeline? Is there an emphasis on attempting to wrap this series up early?
“Absolutely! I think the Rockets feel the longer this series goes on the more pressure will be on them and it also opens up the chance for Luka Doncic to return at some point this series.”
Make sure to follow Lachard on Twitter for Rockets news and updates all postseason long.
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