Following an exciting play-in victory over the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to meet the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers are favorites to win the series despite being the 7 seed going against the 2 seeded Suns. While the Lakers are the 7 seed they have a great shot at winning the title.

The Suns are in a tough spot as they have to face the Lakers in round 1. The reward to having a great season and getting the 2 seed is playing the defending champions who are now fully healthy. Although it will be tough, the Suns still have a chance at knocking off the Lakers. LeBron James talked about the upcoming matchup with ESPN's Rachel Nichols and had nothing but good things to say about their opponents. LA is expecting an absolute dogfight.

Here are 3 bold predictions for the Suns and Lakers series in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

3. Lakers contain Devin Booker and Chris Paul

While you may be thinking how can the Lakers contain Devin Booker and Chris Paul? The answer is they already know how to contain them. Back on May 9th in a regular-season game, the Lakers held Booker to 21 and Paul to 13 points. This was a contest where the Lakers were without LeBron and still won 123-110. With solid defensive guards and a good scheme, the Lakers were able to contain Phoenix's main guys. Look for the Lakers to continue the success against the star backcourt of the Suns.

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2. Mikal Bridges averages 15+

Mikal Bridges will have to be the difference-maker in this series as the fourth option. He averaged 13.5 points during the season but will need to elevate his play. The Suns will be facing the top defense in the Lakers and Bridges will have to step up in scoring. DeAndre Ayton is a good 3rd option for the Suns but he will have a tough task against Anthony Davis or Andre Drummond. Bridges will be to any success for the Suns on the offensive end.

1. Anthony Davis averages 30+

Anthony Davis dropped 42 points against the Suns on May 9th and could very well dominate in this series. It was evident that no one on the Suns team can guard the Lakers' star and he will be able to score at will. Even if the Suns double-team him, it's going to open up other guys on LA for good looks at the basket. Davis has shown his ability to elevate his game in the playoffs as he has a career average of almost 29 points per game on the big stage. In a matchup with no legitimate rim protectors except for Ayton, Davis will feast on the Suns and average 30 plus.

The Lakers and Suns series is set up to be a good one as both teams are ready to compete. Both of these teams have the talent to make a Finals run and it will be a very enticing first-round matchup. The series features some of the best players in the league with LeBron, AD, Paul, and Booker.

It's going to be good.