8-seeds historically have been merely a stepping stone for 1-seeds on the way to deep playoff runs. Only five 8-seeds have ever eliminated 1-seeds from the first round of the playoffs, and only three of those teams have done so since 7-game series became a thing. With players that were previously injured now being available for the Trail Blazers, such as Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins, Portland is in a great position to give the Lakers a real fight in the first round. Blazers star Damian Lillard has a history of outperforming star guards on opposing team, including players like James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Chris Paul. He has always shined in the brightness of the playoff spotlight, and this potential series will be no exception.