Richard Jefferson: Blazers-Lakers would be “most anticipated first-round matchup in years”

The Portland Trail Blazers’ recent streak has them closing in on a potential series against the Lakers. Former NBA champion Richard Jefferson says the potential Lakers-Blazers series would be the “most anticipated first-round series in years.”

A week from this date, a conversation on the Portland Trail Blazers and their postseason aspirations felt premature. The challenge of overcoming the Pelicans’ soft schedule advantages and closing the gap with Memphis was based more on optimism than realism. But after the Blazers’ blistering start to Orlando play, the fantasizing can begin.

The Grizzlies hold the cards to their destiny in the race for the No. 8 seed, but to this point, the Blazers have responded with draw fours and reverses of their own. They’ve cut the deficit to just ½ of a game. Which means, the idea of a star-studded first round matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers isn’t too far out of the distant realm.

On a recent edition of Talkin’ Blazers with Channing Frye, former NBA champion teammate Richard Jefferson hopped aboard to discuss Portland’s recent hot streak. In entertaining the thought of that said Blazers-Lakers matchup, he offered this ultimate, thought-provoking praise.

"“I really dig what they’re doing right now. I like where they are. I think it would be a great postseason matchup.I think if the Lakers and (Portland) meet in the first round, that will be the most anticipated first round matchup that the NBA has seen in years.”"

On paper, Jefferson’s take is a thrilling one to mince over. It’s rare to ever see a series featuring three potential All-NBA First Teamers in a series this early into the Western Conference playoff bracket. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are on the short list of players with reasonable Most Valuable Player claims, and Damian Lillard, all but a shoo-in to claim his fifth All-League selection when balloting releases, would have been there with better fortune.

And then, you get to thinking: what other recent first-round series would have rivaled in this hype? The 2011 Heat-76ers series, the first of the Heatles trio? Clippers-Spurs 2015? Lakers-Nuggets in 2008?

Beyond the superstars and the comparisons to other series, the storylines are perhaps just as boundless. The story of Carmelo Anthony’s return comes to mind — from a rejected vagabond who had presumably played his last game to a tangible, legitimate contributor to a dangerous Playoff team.

Then, there’s the allure of “Playoff CJ McCollum.” The thrill of a No. 1 seed being challenged beyond expected limits; J.R .Smith and Dion Waiters sightings; the Lakers — the “bullies” of the West, finally finding that someone their own size. And, of course, the deep-rooted history of the Lakers-Blazers rivalry.

Jefferson’s respect for the Portland Trail Blazers went full-circle. He went into detail on just how underrated they were as a franchise, too, being able to withstand the punches they took, and found a way to remain a perennial Playoff team.

"“The Portland Trail Blazers have been one of the most consistent franchises in the last like 25, 30 years. Like, they’ve only missed the postseason a handful of times. So it’s like, I just respect that, because they draft well. Even when they have things that don’t go their way. Whether it was like Brandon Roy and his knees going bad. The Oden injuries.They still find a way to get right back into the mix, drafting CJ … unknown kid. Drafting Dame … kind of unknown kid. And now, they’re right back at it. Losing LaMarcus Aldridge, but getting Nurkic. I think it’s so underrated the way this organization has run over the last … even running you (Frye) out of town.”"

The Blazers are dangerously-close to having that prospect come into fruition. The home stretch sees just four more opponents: the Clippers, 76ers, Mavericks and Nets. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, finish with this slate: the Thunder, Raptors, Celtics and Bucks.

The two are closely-attached, but will also have to watch for the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs, too. Nonetheless, the dramatic finish to the “Race for No. 8” will be a show even the stars at STAPLES Center will have to sit back and admire.

In the meantime, the rest of Talkin’ Blazers with Channing Frye is always worth the listen. The link to the rest of the podcast can be found here.