LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida (AP) – There was a moment this week when LeBron James and the Lakers weren’t sure they would stay in the bubble.
They’ve decided to stay and it looks like they might be here for a while.
The Lakers progressed to the Western Conference semi-finals to finish the Portland Trail Blazers with a 131-122 win on Saturday night.
It was the Lakers’ first series win since 2012 and prepared them for a second round match against Houston or Oklahoma City. The Rockets lead 3-2 with Game 6 on Monday, so the Lakers will have some free time.
They just got back from a break.
Los Angeles was due to play Wednesday night and the players were relaxing in their rooms when they learned that the Milwaukee Bucks had decided not to play their game that afternoon against Orlando. It was a surprise to everyone else in the league and that night there was a bit of frustration as the players got together.
James was one of the frustrated people, having realized that the Bucks hadn’t really thought through their actions.
“And then, from that moment on, my mind began to understand, what is the plan for the future? And if we don’t have a plan, what are we talking about? Why are we still here? “James said.
“This is what she came up with. And at one point there was no plan to move forward. There was no action plan. And I personally, I’m not that kind of guy. I’m not a guy who doesn’t have a plan and therefore isn’t ready to act in regards to action. “
The players eventually found one and agreed with the owners Thursday on some expanded initiatives, including increased voter participation and the creation of a social justice coalition.
James joked that he probably plans to leave the bubble at least once a day, but agrees with players that their hopes of getting their message about the change were done better at Disney.
When the Lakers finally returned to the pitch for the first time since Monday, they weren’t particularly sharp. Portland finished with his highest total score of the series despite playing without top scorer Damian Lillard.
Anthony Davis said the Lakers know they need to return to their usually stronger defense in the next round.
basketball, running in transition, playing great defense, getting stops, running in transition, playing for each other, playing scrappy, we’re a tough team to beat,” Davis said." data-reactid="49">“When we play Laker basketball, running in transition, playing big defense, getting stops, running in transition, playing for each other, playing scrappy, we’re a tough team to beat,” Davis said.
Davis scored 43 points and James 36 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. The two All-Star forwards dominated the series after the No.1 seed was eliminated in Game 1.
They could put up bigger numbers in the next round if they play Houston, which uses a small formation that would have trouble matching. But even if they don’t, Davis thinks the Lakers will have a chance to win.
“We know we’re a tough team to beat,” he said. “We know we are a great team and we have to play like this every night.”
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