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.
