The Lakers aren't going to race past any elite foe. The veteran Lakers are savvy enough to realize the way to beat the upstart Suns is to play slow and ugly. Then, in the end, LeBron James and Anthony Davis will win them the game. 

James and Davis not only are great offensive players, but outstanding defensive ones, too. That sometimes gets overlooked. LA was the No. 2 defensive team in the NBA this season. 

The Suns rely on Chris Paul to maintain their tempo and poise. Paul turned 36 a couple of weeks ago. He's been a slowdown point guard for the past few years. The Lakers aren't going to let the Suns run and the Suns don't want to run. So the pace should be slow.

Phoenix also has to deal with nerves and a rust factor. The Suns last made the playoffs in 2010. They haven't played in a week. The Under is 7-1 the past eight times the Suns have played following three or more days of rest.