An NBA In-Season Tournament champion could emerge from a one-game playoff, but Kevin Durant, of the Phoenix Suns, is rooting for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers to win it all. With James bringing a high level of effort to each of the Lakers’ four tournament games thus far, it’s easy to see why Durant thinks they have what it takes to win it all.

Following the Suns’ elimination from the playoffs in the quarterfinals at the hands of the Lakers (106–103), Durant went on record as saying that James and his teammates are now heavy favorites to win the NBA Cup.

Durant informed reporters in the locker room after the Suns’ loss, “I’m going to go with the Lakers because they beat us,” according to Ben Golliver of the Washington Post, via ClutchPoints Twitter. This was reported by Ben Golliver.

Being the genuine hooper that he is, Kevin Durant elaborated on his response. The Lakers’ physical style, which includes controlling the offensive glass, getting to the hoop and drawing fouls, and forcing mistakes, makes them a formidable opponent, particularly when LeBron James is playing well. They also beat the Suns.

The Lakers also have a significant edge due to the game’s neutral venue in Las Vegas and the fact that they are the closest team to Sin City geographically.

Their size gives them an advantage over anybody. They were the ones who arranged for the quickest plane to Sin City. Out of everyone, the most fans. “They’re positioned to win,” Durant chimed in.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, facing the New Orleans Pelicans will not be a picnic. The Pelicans boast the kind of athleticism that can match the Purple and Gold’s stifling intensity on both ends of the court. With CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy back in the lineup, the Pelicans also have a leg up when it concerns shooting from beyond the arc.

Having LeBron James, the best player in the league, suit up for the Lakers in their semifinal clash will mean a lot in a game where only one team advances.