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NBA playoffs 2021: How the Lakers and Trail Blazers avoid elimination in two massive Game 6s

How can the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers extend their series on Thursday?

The Lakers and the Blazers both face must-win Game 6s at home after losing Tuesday on the road in their series, previously tied 2-2, albeit in very different fashions. With Anthony Davis sidelined by a groin strain, the Lakers were never competitive against the Phoenix Suns, while Damian Lillard's clutch shot-making pushed the Denver Nuggets to double overtime in Game 5 before Portland fell short.

As recently as Saturday, when the Blazers blew out the Nuggets at home and the Lakers led their series 2-1 prior to Davis' injury, it looked like we might get a Lakers-Blazers matchup in the conference semifinals.

How can each keep that hope alive with their seasons on the line?


With or without AD, the Lakers need more from LeBron