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The Golden State Warriors might have to eliminate LeBron James in the first round

By Nathan Beighle

LAS VEGAS, NV- OCTOBER 10: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors on October 10, 2018 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV- OCTOBER 10: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors on October 10, 2018 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors may have to go against their nemesis, LeBron James, in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Three times in the past four seasons, the “Chosen One” has been eliminated by the Golden State Warriors. For LeBron James, that could be a reality he’ll again face in just a few short months.

If they even make the playoffs, the Lakers will barely edge their way in. With about 25 games left, the Lakers, who are three games out of the eighth seed in the West, should be feeling the heat. If they don’t make it, LeBron will not be in the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.

And, if they do it make it, they’ll give arguably the greatest player in the world a chance to work his magic in the postseason. The only problem is that if they do make it they’ll likely be faced with the task of taking down the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors are an absolute juggernaut.

While they did allow for a historic comeback in the 2016 NBA Finals, they’ve won two straight since, winning eight of the nine NBA Finals games over the last two seasons. Along with a 16-1 postseason record in 2017, the Warriors have displayed dominance year-in and year-out.

From Golden State’s perspective, they’d prefer to see a team like Sacramento make it in. Ultimately, the Warriors first-round matchup won’t matter because they’ll likely sweep whoever makes it in with the final spot.

Over the last four years, the Dubs have gone 16-2 in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. That said, while LeBron James would create a challenge for the Dubs, the poor shooting and inexperience alongside him would cause the Lakers to struggle against Golden State.

James is averaging 26.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game. He’s been putting up MVP-caliber numbers. However, the Lakers, even with the dominance of James, won’t stand a chance against the Golden State Warriors.

Next. Ranking the top five Western Conference postseason threats. dark

If he gets in, James will be met by the league’s best team in round one. He might as well tank these last 20 games and force ownership to trade for Davis this postseason to have a realistic chance against the Dubs.

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