The Los Angeles Lakers, after needing just five games to get through each of their Western Conference series, have clinched their first NBA Finals appearance since 2010. Fittingly, they await an opponent a fourth time in as many chances this postseason.
They of course will face either the Miami Heat or Boston Celtics. Miami squandered an opportunity to be crowned Eastern Conference champions over the weekend, but still hold a 3-2 series lead with Game 6 set for Sunday.
When L.A. entered the Walt Disney World bubble, doubts were raised about their championship aspirations amid poor play during seeding games.