Is LeBron James Led Lakers Game 1 Loss to the Phoenix Suns a Cause For Concern?

Against all odds, the Phoenix Suns were able to snatch Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs from the Lakers. The purple and gold built on their trend of losing the first game. While this is a pattern we have seen, should the Lakers fans be worried about what might lie ahead? Or is this just a minor bump in the road which they will eventually overcome?

Too soon to worry for the Lakers?

During a tumultuous regular season, LeBron James had to sit out of almost a third of their games because of his ankle injury. However, he stepped up when it mattered the most. He defeated the Memphis Grizzlies in a winner-takes-all play in tournament and eventually defeating the Stephen Curry-led Golden State Warriors to seal a spot in the postseason.

But reasons to worry only began to pile on when they were matched up against one of the best teams in the West. There was plenty of speculation about how this will turn out for them and it hasn’t started out quite well.

Having lost their first game against the Phoenix Suns with a 99-90 score is cause for concern for many. But Ryan Ward doesn’t seem to think that should be the case. He posted on Twitter, “For those potentially freaking out over this Game 1 loss, look at what the Lakers did in Game 1s in their first two playoff series during their run to their 17th NBA championship. Don’t trip. It’s early.”

Last season, the Lakers had lost against the Portland Trail Blazers and had given a considerable lead to the Houston Rockets as well before taking over. In fact, Bron’s record of losing Game 1’s also speaks for itself.

What did the Phoenix Suns do to bag a win?

From the get-go, the Suns were outplaying the title favorites. The best big in the game was DeAndre Ayton who brilliantly broke his way into the Lakers’ defense. He even finished the night as the second lead scorer with 21 points behind Devin Booker who added a whopping 34 points to the scoreboard.

Booker was just unstoppable and the Lakers will need a better plan to contain him. They tried to double him, but that didn’t work either, as it only made him the playmaker the Suns needed.

If LeBron and co. want to win this first-round series, they need to focus on taking more shots. The number of three-pointers they took was extremely less and only helped Phoenix get the victory.

Do you think the Lakers should be very scared after this loss? Or should they remain calm and focus on Bron’s record of not losing the first-round series, hoping this will also be the case this time?

READ MORE: ‘No Way We’re Winning’: Lakers’ Anthony Davis Shows Disappointment After Loss Against the Suns

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