The odds remain steep against the defending champs, but Saturday night’s victory fooled those (including a certain columnist) who didn’t see this series going back to Denver.
Lakers star LeBron James shoots as Denver Nuggets guard Reggie Jackson defends during the first half of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena. James had 30 points in a 119-108 win. LOS ANGELES — Early in the first quarter on Saturday night the Lakers’ video board crew put up a montage of clips.
Yes, there will be a Game 5, Monday night in Denver. The Lakers didn’t fold, didn’t give away another big lead, didn’t allow the defending champion Nuggets to extend their hex to 12 games. And whilein a loud and raucous atmosphere in downtown L.A. doesn’t exactly mean that the worst is over, it’s a stumbling block to overcome for the moment.
Has there developed a mental toughness, or at least some thick skins, through all of the things this group has endured over the last two seasons dating to last season’s 2-10 start to Ham’s debut campaign as coach. Injuries, battling from behind in the standings, bringing in new players and trying to integrate them into the core … there has been a lot to unpack, and it can be argued that these Lakers have developed a mentality that allows them to function in desperate times.
“Obviously we wish we’d won four-zero. The odds aren’t stacked in our favor. But any time we can keep ourself floating above water, you know, we have an opportunity to go and do something special. We’re ready for the challenge.”
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