LeBron-Zion NBA playoff matchup would be a dream
Lakers-Pelicans series pitting veteran vs. rookie could give league a TV ratings spike.
It’s too early to say whether the Lakers would face the Pelicans in a firstround NBA playoff matchup. It’s not too early to say that is what both franchises, their fan bases and the league office would want.
After experiencing a nearly seasonlong decline in television ratings, the NBA would get a ratings spike. The Lakers are a natural draw anyway because of their global popularity and stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But so are the Pelicans because of rookie Zion Williamson, whose 44game absence to open the regular season partly explains the NBA’s ratings crunch.
Five ways a Lakers-Pelicans firstround matchup would be must-see TV:
1. LeBron versus Zion
In two head-to-head matchups, James demonstrated his superiority while Williamson showed he is not afraid of the showdown. While James appeared more inclined to score in these games, Williamson seemed more determined to play aggressively against the NBA’s biggest star.
Both players have publicly praised each other before and after games, and the two embraced after Sunday’s contest in New Orleans.
Yet James and Williamson also seem a bit frosty toward each other.
Last week, James revealed he has had zero interactions with Williamson while he expressed mild annoyance over numerous Williamson-related questions. Unlike other young players, such as Ja Morant, James has not actively sought out Williamson to offer any advice.
Meanwhile, Williamson has not asked for it, either.
2. Davis faces his former team
AD has made it clear he holds zero grudges against the Pelicans. He demanded a trade because he became
impatient with the franchise’s inconsistent direction. That hasn’t softened the animosity toward Davis when he has returned to New Orleans.
Therefore, expect an electric atmosphere in a potential Game 3, 4 and possibly 6 and persistent boos whenever Davis has the ball. That likely won’t hinder Davis’ production. But it would increase the entertainment value.
4. Pelicans would give Lakers their stiffest first-round test
3. Young Pelicans versus ex-team
To acquire Davis, the Lakers parted ways with fourth-year forward Brandon Ingram, third-year guard Lonzo Ball and third-year guard Josh Hart. All three young players have flourished more in a less pressure-packed environment.
Ingram netted his first All-Star appearance and has consistently become more aggressive.
Although Ball still has had a handful of injuries, he has shown more consistency with his play making and some flashes of his shooting potential.
While still a role player, Hart has received more consistent playing time.
New Orleans (26-34) sat three games behind Memphis (29-31) for the eighth and final playoff spot going into Monday. The Grizzlies just defeated the Lakers on Saturday, but the Pelicans have more talent to challenge the Lakers.
That explains why the Lakers have played with more intensity anytime they have faced New Orleans this season.
Assuming they remain healthy, the Lakers should have no problem eliminating the Pelicans in five or six games in a best-of-seven series.
But the series could play out the same way the top-seeded Lakers’ firstround matchup with the eighth-ranked Thunder did in 2010. Then, the defending NBA champion Lakers felt tested against a young Kevin Durant, Russell
Westbrook and Serge Ibaka. Afterward, the Lakers believed that prompted them to enter the playoffs with more focus than they would have shown against an inferior opponent.
5. Josh Hart memes
In two recent matchups, James has made highlight reels at Hart’s expense.
In last week’s win in LA, James threw down three dunks over Hart. In the win Sunday in New Orleans, James drove past Hart one-on-one before Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday scolded Hart for his defense.
It seems likely James will create more moments during the playoffs at Hart’s expense.