Phoenix Suns playoff matchup: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers — a year after adding Markieff Morris to their rotation on a buyout — went out and landed Andre Drummond, an All-Star-caliber center after the Cavaliers bought him out.
The cost for the guy who earned $27 million last season? Less than a million dollars. And the Lakers already were the NBA’s best defensive team.
That move rattled many of the smaller-market teams.
If the NBA would like to correct this farce of the “buyout market”, declare that any player purchased after the trading deadline would be ineligible for the playoffs. That would stop it cold. If you want a guy, trade for him before the deadline.
— Bob Rathbun (@BobRathbunTV) April 1, 2021
We’re just not that bent about the situation. But we also believe the Suns are much closer to NBA title contention than are the Hawks.
Again, the buyout candidates who ultimately prove a huge addition are few and far between — and Drummond already stubbed his toe and has missed the Lakers’ past two games.
So, what are the Suns’ matchup challenges with the Lakers?
The best weapon against the two-headed monster of LeBron James and Anthony Davis could be coach Monty Williams and his staff. The game plan is the starting point.
Clearly, Ayton and Mikal Bridges — with a considerable amount of help — will leave it all on the court trying to mitigate the LA duo’s impact. But if these teams meet in the postseason, Williams’ plans including switches, strategic double-teams and generally trying to show new looks may prove the difference.
There is little doubt, though, that if Whiteside and/or Olynyk become available before April 19, the Suns should take a long look.