Play-In Preview, Lakers Vs. Pelicans: Can LeBron Stop Zion Again? Who Stops Anthony Davis?

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers spanked the Pelicans on Sunday to earn their way to the 8-seed and... a repeat of Sunday's game in New Orleans. This time, however, the winner of the game advances straight into the rest of the postseason, finishing as the West's 7-seed and winning a chance to travel to Denver this weekend.

The loser plays the winner of Wednesday's game between Sacramento and Golden State.

On paper, at least, the Lakers would seem to be the favorites. Three wins in four games over New Orleans, with an average mergin of victory exceeding 26 points. That's some real dominance and indicates the Lakers have structural advantages in the matchup. LeBron James, in addition to being excellent, is also a bad matchup for Zion Williamson, who can't use his strength to bully James around offensively and can't outthink the supercomputer that is LeBron, either. The Pellies don't have a great matchup guarding James, either. And meanwhile, as Sunday showed, they're not rich in guys who match up well with Anthony Davis.

On the other hand, the Pelicans have been, at least until a bit of an injury-induced lull at the end of the year, among the best teams in the conference for much of the second half. There is plenty of talent there, and no shortage of shooting.

So what's going to happen? We break it down in a fantastic crossover episode with Jake Madison, host of Locked On Pelicans.

What are the matchups to watch? How might the Pelicans turn things around against LA? What are the big strategic plays available for both teams?

Plus, should either group be looking to tank the game in order to change their odds for a longer playoff run?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Jake Madison

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get another crack at the Pels, after throttling them good three out of four games this year.

SEGMENT 2: LeBron vs. Zion.

SEGMENT 3: How the Pelicans can turn the tables on LA.

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