- Report: ‘People around the Lakers’ see Zach LaVine as a potential trade target
- Shaquille O’Neal calls out Lakers acquisition of Rui Hachimura: ‘I don’t even know who the f–k that is’
- Report: Fred VanVleet expected to sign with Klutch Sports amid Lakers’ interest in him
- Dennis Schroder says he was ‘very aggressively’ handcuffed by cops who accused him of a stealing a car
- Report: Lakers looking to upgrade from Patrick Beverley
- Phil Handy seemingly compares Rui Hachimura to Kawhi Leonard: ‘Reminds me of this guy I coached in Toronto’
- Report: Dennis Schroder stopped by police in Hollywood after leaving Lakers game
- Report: Lakers, Clippers, Jazz, Pistons and Hornets interested in Caris LeVert
- Chandler Parsons on LeBron James: ‘If they were winning more, he’s my MVP’
- Report: Lakers update injury statuses for Anthony Davis, Lonnie Walker and LeBron James vs. Spurs
Carmelo Anthony Breaks Down How He Plans to Contain Lakers Superstar LeBron James
- Updated: August 18, 2020
The upcoming series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers is expected to be more competitive than most first-round matchups.
Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony is getting mentally prepared for the huge challenge of attempting to guard LeBron James.
“This is a chess game. More of a mental challenge than a physical challenge,” Blazers forward @carmeloanthony on getting ready for @KingJames. Melo also says “we are out there trying to win” and compared Lakers-Blazers to a boxing match.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) August 17, 2020
James and Anthony were chosen first and third, respectively, in the 2003 NBA Draft. After all these years, this will be just the second time the two legends face off in the playoffs.
At age 35, James has put together yet another Herculean season. He averaged 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 10.2 assists a game in the 2019-20 regular season, leading the league in assists.
By leading the Lakers to the best record in the Western Conference after a disastrous 2018-19 campaign, James has made himself a serious MVP candidate.
Meanwhile, Anthony had looked washed up after a few dismal seasons of bouncing around the league.
Just when it seemed like he was going to retire, the Blazers signed him, and Anthony responded with a resurgence this season.
Anthony’s defense against James will be a huge key in giving the underdog Blazers a chance against L.A.