Will the Lakers Win Game 5? Could the Grizzlies Implode if the Lakers Start Strong?

The Lakers have a chance to put the Grizzlies away tonight in Game 5 of their first round series. It won't be easy, though. The Lakers were clearly tired at the end of Game 4 -- or at least LeBron James was tired, and meanwhile Anthony Davis (probable for Game 5) was banged up after falling hard on his bum hip in the first half. Memphis, the younger squad by a fair margin, should be able to bounce back faster. And with their season on the brink, you'd expect them to come out with some serious energy. On the other hand, the Grizzlies are showing signs that an implosion could be coming fast, and with a quick start the Lakers could simultaneously quiet the Memphis crowed and get the Grizzlies to fold their collective tent. The Lakers get three cracks to close out the series, and while nothing is guaranteed, there isn't a ton of pressure to make it happen tonight. Which could serve them well. Anthony Davis has had an inconsistent series offensively. Is that fatigue? Something specific to the matchup? Will AD find more scoring opportunities should the Lakers advance, whether against Golden State or Sacramento? How good do the Lakers need him to be, from a points scoring standpoint? Because he's definitely delivering on the other end. As is Austin Reaves, who is serving not only as glue on the offensive side, but providing critical scoring and flexibility for Darvin Ham on the defensive side as well. At this point, the guy is indaspensible. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: What to expect in Game 5. Could the Lakers force a Memphis implosion? SEGMENT 2: Can the Lakers advance deep if Anthony Davis is an inconsistent scorer? SEGMENT 3: Giving Austin Reaves some credit for Game 4, and his influence on the team more broadly. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 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