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Reading: Los Angeles Lakers Can Still Compete For A Title If LeBron James And Anthony Davis Stay Healthy, Says Shaquille O’Neal
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Los Angeles Lakers Can Still Compete For A Title If LeBron James And Anthony Davis Stay Healthy, Says Shaquille O’Neal

Los Angeles Lakers Can Still Compete For A Title If LeBron James And Anthony Davis Stay Healthy, Says Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O'Neal reveals his expectations for the Lakers this season.

Nico Martinez
Sep 8, 2022
3 Min Read
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Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

For a team that aims to compete every single season, the Los Angeles Lakers haven’t done a whole lot to fix their roster. Sure, they got younger, but the team is still without a consistent and reliable shooter heading into the new season.

To make matters worse, it looks like star guard Russell Westbrook will still be on the team by training camp, which could lead to a whole host of problems both on the court and in the locker room.

But despite all the questions and doubts currently swirling about the Lakeshow, Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal says they can still enjoy some success if both stars can manage to stay healthy.

(via Uproxx):

Q: “Laker legend, I want to ask about the Lakers and your general thoughts on their summer. It feels like so much of it is “if LeBron and Anthony Davis stay healthy, they’re going to be okay.” Do you agree with that, or do you think they still need more to get to where they want to go?”

O’Neal: “Yes, LeBron and AD stay healthy, they’ll be okay. But in order to be championship quality, they need to pieces around them. Pat Beverley is a good piece, he’s a defensive piece. Russ, I don’t know what he’s gonna do, I don’t know how they’re going to use him. But they need some dogs like Beverley, they need some rebounders, and they need some shooters. That’s all you need. It’s not rocket science. You need a floor leader, someone that’s gonna dominate consistently, every night, you need a knockdown shooter, and you need a guy that’s gonna ruffle some feathers. That’s it. That’s how you win a championship.”


Anthony Davis, Who Only Played 40 Games Last Season, Will Have To Be Healthy If The Lakers Want Any Chance Of Competing For A Title This Season

Westbrook is the key for the Lakers this season. If he shows up and lays a dud like he did last year, the Lakers are likely to finish in a similarly ugly position. But if he comes out and explodes for a redemption season, it could be all the Lakers need to compete in the West.

Most important of all, however, will be the health of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. After missing huge chunks of time last season, the Lakers will be counting on them to be available if they want any shot at keeping up with the elites.

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TAGGED:Anthony DavisLeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers ArchiveShaquille O'Neal
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ByNico Martinez
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Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media. 
Previous Article Shaquille O’Neal Explains Why Stephen Curry Is His Favorite NBA Player: “Because There’s No One Like Him…”
Next Article Kobe Bryant Would Have Destroyed Patrick Beverley At Practice If He Said To Him What He Said To LeBron James, NBA Fans Agree On How The Black Mamba Would React
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