Previewing Lakers vs. Grizzlies. Ja Morant or LeBron James? Jaren Jackson Jr. or Anthony Davis?

The Lakers are in a real, live playoff series for the first time in a couple of seasons, and it should be a barnburner! It's the Memphis Grizzlies, who have played quite well all season, save a mid-season lull. It's an intriguing matchup, to say the least. LeBron James and Anthony Davis as established stars, meeting Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., who are ready to emerge in the next generation of the NBA elite. But what else is going on, here? How are the Grizzlies going to match up against LeBron and A.D.? Is Dillon Brooks the key to the series? What about the Lakers role players? How much will L.A.'s perimeter shooting impact what we're going to see. Can Austin Reaves, Malik Beasley and the rest hit enough shots to force Memphis to play things straight defensively? The ability of either team to do damage in transition could be a huge factor, as neither team is exactly elegant in the half court. Both teams thrive on the move, so forcing turnovers will be a big factor, and from the Lakers end, shooting a credible percentage from the perimeter, and getting to the free throw line (which is a transition killer for the opposition) will be huge. Finally, how will the Lakers defend Ja? Because while the Grizzlies seem to have a natural player to throw at LeBron (Brooks), the Lakers don't necessarily have a corresponding player for Morant. Lots of chess to be played, and it's worth asking if Lakers fans have more confidence in Darvin Ham than Grizzlies fans do in Taylor Jenkins. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with Joe Mullinax and DaMichael Cole! SEGMENT 1: The energy around the series, with two teams that have never met in the postseason. SEGMENT 2: What's the deal with Dillon Brooks? How are the Grizzlies going to guard LeBron and A.D.? Is their defense tailor made for defending LA? SEGMENT 3: Can the Lakers hit enough shots from the perimeter to keep the Grizzlies honest? Which team can get out in transition enough to gain an advantage? Where are the mismatches? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! HelloFresh Skip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that’s why it’s America’s #1 meal kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/nba60 and use code nba60 for 60% off plus free shipping!   eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. Ultimate Pro Basketball GM To download the game just visit probasketballgm.com or look it up on the app stores. Our listeners get a 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo LOCKEDON (ALL CAPS) in the game store. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices