Next stop on the Lake Show tour? The Western Conference Finals. After
defeating Houston 119-96 tonight in Game 5, the Lakers look ahead.
This was the second time this playoff run that the Lakers went down in Game 1
and were questioned. And this was the second time the Lakers had a straight
answer.
Spending most of his career in the East, LeBron James (29 pts, 11 reb, 7 ast)
has never been to the Western Conference Finals, but he bought a one-way
ticket tonight. Game after game, basketball watchers from around the world are
reminded why James has the most playoff wins in history. Tonight was another
win and further proof of No. 23’s prowess. The King was sinking triples,
creating doubles, and added his 9th block to his total for this round — that
is 9 of 17 total team blocks. LeBron was a leader in every sense of the word
and set a standard of excellence for his teammates to meet; and that they did.
Yes, yes, LeBron led and his teammates followed. The Lakers’ lethal fast break
offense is symbolic of this. The Purple and Gold had 17 points in transition
to Houston’s 6. But you see, success in transition starts from under the rim,
and that credit is due to Anthony Davis (13 pts, 11 reb). AD is always there;
with enormous reach his arms snatch the rock wherever it falls.
As Round 2 comes to a close, major props are in order for Markieff Morris (16
pts) who joined the Lakers Family back in March and has assimilated with the
crew as if he’s been here from the beginning. Keef making the move to the
starting 5 was big for the Lakers this round in terms of being better equipped
against Houston’s offense. And every time No. 88 hit the floor, he brought a
fire — and not just because he’s consistently hot from three. On the topic of
triples, Keef went 4-for-4 tonight while his whole squad shot 50% from beyond
the arc, notching a franchise playoff-record of 19 triples.
There is so much to love about this Lakers team. And to those watching it
seems that these guys have known each other all their lives. The strong
relationships and continued success on the floor are a result of a shared
respect, a persistent passion and an honor to represent Los Angeles. That’s
brought them this far, let’s see what’s next.