The media has discussed how vital players like Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard and Rui Hachimura will be on the pitch. That being said, one wonders: How do the Rockets feel about this series? How do you see the injuries of the Lakers stars?
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I was lucky enough to run into a former colleague and friend, Lachard Binkley, the credentialed Sports Illustrated reporter who covers the Houston Rockets. If you’re a Houston Rockets fan, you’re probably very familiar with his work.
I asked Lachard five questions to help Lakers fans better understand the Rockets’ mentality heading into this series. Their answers were insightful and informative. So let’s take a look at how the opponent views this series, coming directly from one of the most connected reporters covering the Houston Rockets.
Possible discrepancy
From the Rockets’ point of view, what is the biggest mismatch in this series and why are fans confident it will last more than 7 games if necessary?
“If you look at it from the Rockets’ point of view, it has to be Alperen Sengun against the Lakers’ frontcourt. Although the Lakers start Deandre Ayton, the Rockets feel that unless the Lakers double-team Sengun, he will be able to get any shot he wants around the basket.”
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Facing LeBron
How do Rockets fans feel dealing with LeBron James in a playoff scenario at this stage of his career? Is he still considered a force to be reckoned with?
“I think any team that faces LeBron to this day is cautious about facing him in the playoffs. Even at this point in his career, the Rockets know that he can still have a few games where he takes over the series. The Rockets will make a point of trying to get the ball out of his hands as much as possible.”
Greater concern
What’s the biggest concern Rockets fans have about this matchup that the national media isn’t talking about?
“The biggest concern for the Rockets, as it has been all season, is three-point shooting. Although the Rockets finished the season 10th in percentage, they have been one of the lowest-volume three-point shooting teams in the league, meaning if they aren’t making shots from deep, they could lose the math game to the Lakers if they are making their threes.”
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Swing Series
If the series swings in the Lakers’ favor from the start without AR and Luka, what do you think Rockets fans will point to as the reason?
“If we’re talking from the point of view of Rockets fans (not mine), they would probably blame Ime Udoka just because they feel like he’s been struggling with playmaking and rotation all season long. They’d most likely point to his lack of creativity on offense or not playing enough with a certain player.”
Sense of urgency
How do Rockets fans view this series in terms of timeline? Is there any emphasis on trying to wrap up this series early?
“Absolutely! I think the Rockets feel that the longer this series goes, the more pressure there will be on them and it also opens up the possibility of Luka Doncic returning at some point in this series.”
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The post What does Rockets reporter Lachard Binkley think about Lakers-Rockets? first appeared in The Lead.