Why are the Lakers struggling so much against Portland?

[Walk on Water]

The Lakers have taken a 2-1 lead in a tough series against Portland. If you didn't know basketball, you'd have no idea the Lakers were the #1 seed when the series looks nearly an even match. In game 3, Portland actually had the lead going into the 3rd. Lebron had to fully exhaust himself with a nearly 40 point triple double, while Davis had a monster game. Yet it was still a close game and on a couple of possessions the Lakers were so gassed that they didn't run down the court. Have never seen that before. It's disgusting. I wouldn't be surprised if the Lakers just gave up and let Portland win the series, they have no heart.

Lakers look pretty horrible, struggling against this sub 500 team.

[TheCorporation]

In case you aren't trolling...

Every team has lost at least one game I don't think anyone is sweeping except maybe Toronto?

Bucks lost to Magic in game 1 (as did Lakers to the Blazers)
Clippers to the Mavs, Rockets just lost a game to the Thunder, etc.

[BigtimeNBAFan]

Because the Lakers aren't that good of a team. They have arguably 2 of the top 5 players in the league, but those guys are going to have to be great for them to win. Their other starters are Javale Mcgee, Danny Green and Caldwell-Pope. Their bench is thin and was nonexistent other than a few big shots by Caruso.

[Nike D'Antoni]

In case you aren't trolling...

Every team has lost at least one game I don't think anyone is sweeping except maybe Toronto?

Bucks lost to Magic in game 1 (as did Lakers to the Blazers)
Clippers to the Mavs, Rockets just lost a game to the Thunder, etc.


Toronto, Heat and Boston sweeping.
Portland is actually legit super offensive team. They lack a bench, and size.

[oldtimer28]

In case you aren't trolling...

Every team has lost at least one game I don't think anyone is sweeping except maybe Toronto?

Bucks lost to Magic in game 1 (as did Lakers to the Blazers)
Clippers to the Mavs, Rockets just lost a game to the Thunder, etc.

They don't look focused eg. not even trying to run back on defence in the fourth quarter.

Hope they and the Clippers lose but they do have undeniable talent that might get them through (note Doc Rivers is Clippers downfall and Lakers do need to play better to win a championship).

[Genaro]

In case you didn't know, the playoffs in the West are always hard. Mainly against a team who has the hottest player in the league right now. There's no cakewalk like in the East.