Lakers Players Want Energy From Lakers Fans. Plus, Can the Lakers Exploit Rudy Gobert?

At practice Thursday in El Segundo, Dorian Finney-Smith made it very clear that the Lakers as a team are looking forward to opening the playoffs on their home floor, and absorbing the energy the crowd can bring. Because make no mistake, Lakers fans are hyped for this, and the Lakers as a team worked very, very hard to earn home court advantage. Hopefully the Lakers won't need it, but it's great to know the boost provided by a home crowd in the postseason is in their back pocket for four games. 

Meanwhile, one of the most intriguing storylines of the series deals with Rudy Gobert. Thursday in El Segundo, Jaxson Hayes noted that while Gobert is his matchup, the Stifle Tower is not necessarily his focus. One big reason? Because the Wolves don't operate their offense with Gobert in a featured role. (Though if they'd like to try, I'm sure the Lakers would be ok with it.) That said, Gobert can still be incredibly disruptive, especially as a defender and a rebounder. Minnesota is expected to make a hard push on the offensive glass. So can the Lakers control his impact, and even force the Wolves into some tough decisions? 

The Lakers might prefer to play Hayes less and force the Wolves to match up with their small(ish) lineups. 

Finally, is Austin Reaves too good to be an X-Factor? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Fans, get hyped! The Lakers need you.

SEGMENT 2: LA vs. Rudy. 

SEGMENT 3: Austin Reaves... x-factor? 

 

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