The Lakers play the Miami Heat Friday night in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
Or at least, some semblance of the Miami Heat.
Two of Miami’s top three players are listed as doubtful, an apropos term for the Heat’s chances of winning without them.
Not only did Miami lose Game 1, but veteran guard Goran Dragic sustained a torn plantar fascia in his left foot, and up-and-coming center Bam Adebayo left the game because of a strained neck.
Together, they’re averaging 37.7 points, 14.9 rebounds, and 9.2 assists in the playoffs — big numbers for a team that needs them to compete with the Lakers.
Game 1 wasn’t even close: Miami trailed by 32 points before falling, 116-98.
Anthony Davis was dominant in his first-ever Finals game, the Lakers made 11 three-pointers in the first half, and the smaller Heat was outrebounded badly, 54-36.
Despite possibly facing a depleted Miami team, the Lakers have done a great job of not letting their guard down so far in the playoffs.
The Clippers lost in the second round, ruining a highly anticipated Lakers-Clippers battle in the Western Conference Finals. No problem. The Lakers adjusted and beat Denver in five games.
The Lakers are now facing the East’s fifth-seeded team instead of, take your pick, Milwaukee, Toronto, or Boston. Whatever. The Lakers certainly didn’t take Miami lightly in Game 1.
The Lakers must remain committed to their playoff vow that the job’s not finished. LeBron James must be the guy to remind everyone of this, which he will.
Some added incentive, if any, is needed: Teams that go up 2-0 in the NBA playoffs win their series 94 percent of the time.
The Lakers are just three wins away from their 17th championship. It could, and should, be only two after Friday night if Miami isn’t at full strength.
Mike Bresnahan is the Lakers analyst for Spectrum SportsNet.