How many were surprised at the Los Angeles Lakers' 4-2 series win over the Memphis Grizzlies in this year's NBA Western Conference first-round playoffs?
The purple and gold have completed a great upgrade after trading for Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt and D'Angelo Russell in February. It took some time to put every piece in place, but they became a different before entering the playoffs.
The Lakers began their postseason competitions with a different LeBron James as well. In his 20th NBA season, 38-year-old James showed the rest of the league that he can still figure out a new way to help his team win.
Of course, the purple and gold would have never defeated the Grizzlies without the defensive dominance of Anthony Davis, who taught the Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson Jr., a good lesson.
Anthony Davis (#3) of the Los Angeles Lakers blocks a shot by Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference first-round playoffs at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, April 28, 2023. /CFP
LeBron James (#6) of the Los Angeles Lakers grabs a rebound in Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference first-round playoffs against the Memphis Grizzles at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, April 28, 2023. /CFP
Rui Hachimura (#28) of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks in Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference first-round playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, April 28, 2023. /CFP
Host: Li Xiang
Cover designer: Feng Yuan