The Playoffs are underway and one team to keep an eye on is the Los Angeles Lakers. The team led by LeBron James barely made it through the Play-In tournament. And, now they find themselves facing the Memphis Grizzlies.
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Given how the regular season went, it’s clear that the Grizzlies will be tough competition. While the Lakers did manage to win Game 1, Game 2 told a different story. Despite the absence of superstar Ja Morant, Memphis managed to get one back. But now, is when things get interesting.
Game 3 will take place in Los Angeles. And, according to one statistic, the Lakers may already have it in the bag. Especially seeing as the Purple and Gold have won eight straight Game 3s when the series is tied 1-1.
LeBron James and the Lakers will be uplifted by an interesting Game 3 streak
The Lakers are a team looking to go far in this year’s Playoffs. Having greatly improved their team before the trade deadline, LeBron James and Co. will be looking to push for an 18th banner. One that will be a fifth ring for The King.
But, in round 1, it’s the Memphis Grizzlies that stand in their way. A young team, the Grizzlies are certainly a threat. What with the likes of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the lines. However, two games into the series, the Lakers managed to steal homecourt advantage and tie it up at 1-1.
Now, with Game 3 looming over the horizon, the Lakers will be looking to make good on their advantage. Lucky for them, history is on their side. After all, the Lakers have won eight straight Game 3s when the series is tied at 1-1, with their last loss coming way back during the 2004 NBA Finals.
Lakers-Grizzlies shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 tonight, 10 ET on ESPN.
The Lakers have won eight straight Game 3s when the series is tied 1-1, tied for the longest streak in NBA history. The Bulls also won 8 straight from 1989-95. pic.twitter.com/D4zIFHgN2I
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 22, 2023
Hopefully, LeBron, Anthony Davis, and the rest of the Lakers roster can make good on this. Secure the home win and move on to Game 4, where they can try and return to Memphis with a 3-1 lead.
King James will be gunning for Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks in Game 3
Game 3 won’t just be interesting because of the Lakers’ winning streak. There is also the added narrative of LeBron James versus Dillon Brooks. The Grizzlies star took shots at The King following the team’s Game 2 win over the Purple and Gold. So, it’s safe to say Bron will be looking to make a point tonight.
Classic Dillon Brooks on his confrontation with LeBron James: “I don’t care. He’s old. … I poke bears. I don’t respect someone until he gives me 40.”
And Brooks had plenty more to say. pic.twitter.com/uWLONrubPZ
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 20, 2023
All things considered, Game 3 will be one to watch out for. Will the Lakers continue their eight-game winning streak? Can the Grizzlies upset the Lakers? Will LeBron teach Dillon Brooks a lesson? Only time will tell.