NBA Playoffs kicked off last week and it did not disappoint. Both the Lakers and Clippers made it to the postseason again. The Lakers mission is to be back-to-back champs. The Clippers mission is to shake off the “playoff bust” label that they received last season. Both LA teams have tough matchups in Round 1. The Clips have to hold off a Dallas Mavericks team that’s looking for revenge from last season. Lakeshow is facing the Phoenix Suns, the second best team in the Western Conference. Both LA teams are off to a rough start after both losing game one of their series.

Clippers vs Mavericks

The Clippers have battled hard this season. Paul George has been playing like his Indiana Pacer days by averaging 23.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 5.2 APG in the regular season. Kawhi Leonard’s consistency and Rajon Rondo’s veteran savvy have also helped the Clips reach the playoffs. Their first obstacle is the Luka Dončić’s led Mavericks that want revenge. Last season, the Mavs were bounced out of the playoffs in Game 6 versus the Clips. Now with more playoff experience, Luka came in hot. Luka’s statline for Game 1 was 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. The final score was 113-103. 

Lakers vs Suns

After Anthony Davis and LeBron James missed time, the Lakers were in a slump and found themselves in the Play-In games. The duo returned right on time to face MVP candidate Steph Curry and the Warriors. After a tough battle, the Lakeshow moved into the 7th seed to play the Phoenix Suns. The Suns success has a lot to do with the addition of veteran Chris Paul. His leadership and play has elevated the whole team and got them to a high seed in the playoffs. The Lakers had no answer for Devin Booker who dropped 34 points in their 99-90 victory.

Both of our LA teams have their work cut out for them. The Lakers have a harder road to the finals than they did last year.  As for the Clips, stepping up as the “defensive dogs” that they proclaim to be will be the X-factor in beating Luka. Maybe we’ll see these two LA teams in the conference championship if they can pull it together.