Los Angeles Lakers: 3 keys to closing out the Grizzlies, advancing to West semis

3. A Big Game From D’Angelo Russell

D’Angelo Russell is an X-factor for the Los Angeles Lakers. In every game he’s played decently, they win. And he can turn a game on its head in an instant with his smooth shotmaking, as we saw in the 4th quarter of Game 4.

D’Lo is tough to game plan for if you’re the Grizzlies because there are so many other offensive options for the Lakers that you have to focus on and he can turn it on at any time. However, throughout his playoff career, Russell has struggled in big games. LA will need him to step up in a big way to ensure the Lakers put their best foot forward in their first shot at closing out the Grizzlies.

Heading into Game 5, the Lakers are in a great spot. They have a 3-1 series lead and will have three opportunities to punch their ticket to the Western Conference semifinals. The big question is whether or not that ticket will be punched in Game 5. But even if the Lakers do end up losing Game 5, they will return to Los Angeles with another opportunity to win the series in Game 6.

Considering where the Lakers were just a few months ago, this is not something that could’ve been envisioned by many.