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Two of the best teams in the NBA will go up against each other on Thursday night with the LA Lakers hosting the Brooklyn Nets at the Staples Center. Both teams are 2nd in their respective Conferences and this could turn out to be the Finals match-up later in the season.
The collective talent on display on Thursday will be incredible and the combined starting 5 of this matchup will be one of the most unbeatable teams assembled. The combined starting 5 of the LA Lakers and Brooklyn Nets feature four champions, three former MVPs, and one former DPOY.
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Best combined starting 5 between the LA Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets
The reigning champions, LA Lakers, possess one of the best duos in the league, while the Brooklyn Nets have one of the most offensively lethal trios in NBA history. Whenever the three stars, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, are on the court together, they often score 60 to 70 points combined.
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The LA Lakers also boast some great defenders who are featured in this combined starting 5. So without ado, let's take a look at the combined starting 5 of the LA Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets.
Point Guard - James Harden (Brooklyn Nets)
As stated by Kyrie Irving himself, James Harden is officially the Brooklyn Nets' point guard while Irving is playing the role of the shooting guard. Harden's passing aptitude and superior playmaking make him fit for the point guard position. This isn't the James Harden we were used to seeing in Houston, he is playmaking at a high level, deferring to his teammates more often, and is attempting far fewer shots than he is used to.
Harden recently led a Brooklyn Nets team that was missing Irving and Kevin Durant, to a 24-point comeback against the Suns on Tuesday. He hit a dagger three-pointer late in the 4th quarter to seal the victory.
Shooting Guard - Kyrie Irving (Brooklyn Nets)
Kyrie Irving is flourishing in his new role as the starting 2-guard for the Brooklyn Nets. He is relieved of his playmaking duties and he can focus his entire energy on getting the team buckets. Irving is probably one of the most skilled guards in the league and he is extremely efficient from anywhere on the floor.
Kyrie Irving has also played with LeBron James earlier in his career and the two would complement each other perfectly. He is extremely reliable in clutch situations and his ability to break down defenses is unmatched.
Small Forward - LeBron James (LA Lakers)
One of the greatest players to ever play the game, LeBron James is the cynosure of this combined starting 5. He is putting up excellent numbers for the LA Lakers even at age 36 and is in the early MVP race in his 18th season in the league. LeBron James' list of accomplishments is endless, he is probably one of the most decorated players right now and is the only active player with four NBA titles to his name.
LeBron James is often described as a basketball savant with an extraordinary IQ. He reads and understands the game better than most players who play the sport and having him on any team makes them instant title contenders. He is currently leading the LA Lakers to the 2nd-best record in the league.
Power Forward - Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets)
Kevin Durant's height and unique skill-set make him the ideal power forward for this team. He doesn't need many touches to get in a rhythm and he can shoot over almost anyone. Durant is the closest thing to an unguardable player in the NBA and his ability to knock down deep threes makes him more lethal.
He has proven to be a great two-way player who is extremely efficient on the floor. Moreover, a LeBron James - Kevin Durant frontcourt would be unstoppable and Durant would fit seamlessly into any given offense.
Center - Marc Gasol (LA Lakers)
Former Defensive Player of the Year and champion Marc Gasol is the perfect player to play the Center position as Anthony Davis is missing from the LA Lakers lineup due to a calf injury. Gasol would fit in seamlessly into this star-studded starting 5. He would mostly be aiding the other four starters on the offensive end. As he is an excellent passer and shooter making him lethal in pick-and-rolls.
On the defensive end of the floor, the former DPOY is a great rim-protector and he can grab key rebounds and make the correct pass out to cutters or shooters.
Also Read: Brooklyn Nets vs LA Lakers Prediction & Match Preview - February 18th, 2021 | NBA 2020-21
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