Golden State Warriors: Exposing each Play-In team's weakness

Golden State Warriors: Exposing each Play-In team’s weakness

By Tony Pesta | May 11, 2021

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 15, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

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.

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