How Avery Bradley opting out impacts the Dallas Mavericks in NBA Disney

How Avery Bradley opting out impacts Dallas Mavericks: Blow to Lakers title hopes?

Just before the NBA suspended play, the Lakers beat the Bucks and Clippers in two straight games. Bradley had 24 points and six 3-pointers made against LA. He played over 30 minutes in both games. The Lakers were looking like the title favorites after the two wins.

Are they still at the top of the heap without Bradley in Orlando? The 29-year-old is sixth on the team in minutes per game and fifth in points scored. The Lakers can compete with anyone. They have two superstars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

They will miss Bradley’s perimeter defense. He often took on the responsibility of guarding the opposition’s lead ball-handler. Bradley was 14th in ESPN’s defensive real plus-minus this season. That was second on the Lakers behind only LeBron.

Los Angeles has replacements in Danny Green and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. They will also be able to sign a player to take Bradley’s spot. Adrian Wojnarowski reported that JR Smith is the favorite.

Losing Bradley makes the Lakers margin for error slimmer. Their veteran roster will struggle to withstand an injury in Orlando. The Lakers, Clippers, and Bucks still figure to the NBA’s three elite but losing Avery Bradley hurts. The Mavericks’ chances of winning it all improved with Bradley’s decision.

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