Notes thread from rewatching the Lakers vs Heat regular season games, both of which happened almost a year ago (Nov and Dec 2019).

JaVale played very well in both. His length really seems to bother Bam, whereas Dwight looked a step slow. Maybe an inverse DEN series? I expect Vale to start, and maybe little to no Dwight all series?

My guess is Keef plays a big role and splits minutes at 5. Miami hasn’t seen that wrinkle, and I bet his shooting matters against the zone. Will be interesting to see how much Olynyk and Meyers Leonard Spo uses.

This is when LA will miss Avery Bradley the most.

That said, this could be a Danny Green series. Miami wings don’t expose him defensively, plus he knows how to defend shooters like himself. If that jumper comes around, he may earn that 15M over the next two weeks.

Miami is baby food soft inside, and need to hide Robinson and Herro on D. They may play zone every possession. Lakers need to bust it by getting to the middle, and crashing the boards. AD’s decision making at that foul line will decide games.

Lakers played well defensively in both games. Styles make fights and LA is equipped here on D. Heat will live and die behind the 3PT line. We’ll see how much Bam and Herro have improved because neither played particularly well in either reg season game.

LeBron and AD were a combined 12-24 from 3PT against Miami this season. Over the same two games, the other Lakers were 8-45 from deep! That’s 18%!!!

(I presume that will improve)

LeBron’s jumper was the difference. He’ll need to shoot it comfortably in the Finals.

Just not sure Miami has the horses. End thread.