Los Angeles Lakers’ weakness: Pace
The Los Angeles Lakers are beaten up. We can discuss whether or not this was due to the quick turnaround from last NBA Finals to the 2020-21 NBA season or not — but the fact remains, this Lakers team is battered and bruised with injuries.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis have struggled to remain on the floor this year due to various setbacks. With these two likely being somewhat out of shape as a result missing most of the last few months of play, there is enough reason for the Golden State Warriors to push the tempo and get Los Angeles on their heels.
The Lakers also play one of the slowest brands of basketball in the NBA. They rank 21st in pace and 23rd in points per game. This is because with players like James, Davis, Montrezzl Harrell, Andre Drummond and Talen Horton-Tucker the Lakers are much more paint-oriented in their attack.
Los Angeles wants to turn each game into a junkyard scrap. They want to make it ugly and fight for each possession. The Warriors can make them very uncomfortable if they put their foot on the gas pedal and make it a high-octane, back and forth battle.