The Lakers have a chance to put the Grizzlies away tonight in Game 5 of their first round series. It won't be easy, though. The Lakers were clearly tired at the end of Game 4 -- or at least LeBron James was tired, and meanwhile Anthony Davis (probable for Game 5) was banged up after falling hard on his bum hip in the first half. Memphis, the younger squad by a fair margin, should be able to bounce back faster. And with their season on the brink, you'd expect them to come out with some serious energy.
On the other hand, the Grizzlies are showing signs that an implosion could be coming fast, and with a quick start the Lakers could simultaneously quiet the Memphis crowed and get the Grizzlies to fold their collective tent.
The Lakers get three cracks to close out the series, and while nothing is guaranteed, there isn't a ton of pressure to make it happen tonight. Which could serve them well.
Anthony Davis has had an inconsistent series offensively. Is that fatigue? Something specific to the matchup? Will AD find more scoring opportunities should the Lakers advance, whether against Golden State or Sacramento? How good do the Lakers need him to be, from a points scoring standpoint? Because he's definitely delivering on the other end. As is Austin Reaves, who is serving not only as glue on the offensive side, but providing critical scoring and flexibility for Darvin Ham on the defensive side as well.
At this point, the guy is indaspensible.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: What to expect in Game 5. Could the Lakers force a Memphis implosion?

SEGMENT 2: Can the Lakers advance deep if Anthony Davis is an inconsistent scorer?

SEGMENT 3: Giving Austin Reaves some credit for Game 4, and his influence on the team more broadly.

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