Sports’ pick of the week

Arrick Wilson, Sports Editor

For this week’s pick, we’re heading to the NBA to cover a faceoff between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Friday, April 7.

This Western Conference matchup should be a battle as both teams are looking to stay in contention for the NBA Playoffs, and are top ten in the NBA standings, according to ESPN. 

The Suns are a four-head behemoth led by future Hall of Famers forward Kevin Durant and guard Chris Paul, with rising superstars guard Devin Booker and center Deandre Ayton.

Durant was acquired by the Suns in a blockbuster midseason trade with the Nets, sending the former MVP in exchange for forwards Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder and four unprotected future first-round picks, according to ESPN.

The Suns are an early favorite for the NBA title with their four stars.

The Lakers, on the other hand, have been a solid team this whole season. The Lakers have experienced many injuries of key players, including forwards LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The team is still in contention for a run in the playoffs. 

The Lakers also made a midseason trade to shake up their rosters. The Lakers traded guard Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz to reacquire guard D’Angelo Russell from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a three-team, according to ESPN. Los Angeles also acquired guard Malik Beasley and forward Jarred Vanderbilt.

With Russell at the point, the Lakers have improved massively gaining wins in the process. With a healthy James and Davis, the Lakers look like a scary team for the Western Conference.

In this game, I am picking the Suns. Even though the Lakers are a solid team, I just don’t see them getting past the Suns.