The 2025 NBA Playoffs are right here, and with the bracket largely locked in, followers are buzzing about what’s forward.
Within the Western Convention, whereas youthful squads just like the Thunder and Rockets sit excessive within the standings, it is the star energy of the Los Angeles Lakers that has many questioning if expertise might outshine youth.
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Lakers betting on expertise to defy the percentages
This Lakers squad has been arduous to outline all season.
A midseason roster shake-up and the addition of Luka Doncic to play alongside LeBron James gave the staff a brand new identification, one which has solely began to take type in current weeks.
Getting into the playoffs as a decrease seed with +600 odds to make the NBA Finals, L.A. would not look dominant on paper, however paper would not account for postseason magic, particularly with two of the sport’s smartest ground generals main the best way.
LeBron and Luka deliver a stage of poise and playmaking that few groups can match.
Even with out Anthony Davis anchoring the protection, the Lakers have discovered stability by rising star Austin Reaves and powerful inside help from Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura.
Whereas depth should be a priority, their top-end expertise makes them harmful.
It is a staff that has already confirmed able to dismantling greater seeds, together with a current rout of the No. 2 Houston Rockets.
Their opening-round opponent, the Minnesota Timberwolves, will not go down straightforward.
Led by Anthony Edwards, Minnesota is battle-tested, however this yr’s squad is not as robust because the one which reached the convention finals final season.
If the Lakers advance, a path by Houston after which probably Oklahoma Metropolis, whom L.A. dealt with nicely in April, immediately seems to be very navigable.
With +1100 odds to win all of it, the Lakers are a protracted shot, not less than on the floor.
However when LeBron and Luka are each centered and wholesome, Los Angeles transforms into one of the vital unpredictable groups within the league.
If momentum builds, do not be stunned in the event that they’re nonetheless standing when the Finals start.
