re: Lakers actually did us a favor?

They absolutely did. If they would have gone cold over the last 3 minutes and the Pelicans snuck by, it would have been the worst case scenario. Zion would still be hurt and we would get embarrassed multiple times on national TV against Denver without Zion. I believe this team, as is, will compete well against OKC and win at least 2 games with a decent shot of winning the series. I also believe the Lakers will be getting embarrassed, and that is my second favorite thing to watch.