NBA Play-In Tournament: 3 subplots to watch in Warriors-Lakers

How healthy will LeBron James Look?

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand or realize that the Lakers are a flat-out better team when LeBron James is healthy. In fact, the Lakers go from a good-to-great team with a healthy LeBron – as has been the case for most of his career.

After missing 26 of the team’s last 30 games heading into the postseason, there’s no guarantee that we’re going to see a 100 percent LeBron when they take the floor against the Warriors. In fact, I’d bet against that we’ll even see a 90 percent version of LeBron.

That said, it’ll be interesting to see what version of LeBron we get. Or, the Lakers get. If he is active, appears healthy, and ready at full-go, there’s no question the Lakers will be the favorites, once again, to win the championship.

If not, there’s no guarantee that they even beat the Warriors.