Before the 2021-22 NBA season began, the Los Angeles Lakers were huge favorites to not only come out of the Western Conference but also win the 2022 NBA Championship. In reality, the Lakers’ performances have been far from that prediction.
Following the team’s most recent defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers, it is confirmed that the Lakers will finish with a losing record. Moreover, it seems like Purple & Gold’s chances at making it to the play-in tournament are in jeopardy as well.
Despite all these facts, there are many who still believe in the LeBron James-led Lakers. But what if they make it to the play-in tournament? While we are at it, let’s assume that they qualify for the 2022 postseason as well.
If things work out in this manner, the Lakers will be met with none other than the phenomenal Phoenix Suns. While many believe that if this indeed turns out to be the case, the Lakers’ postseason run will come to an end. However, Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal has something else to say.
“I am disappointed in my Lakers, a lot of people are. We all forgot about their ages, ‘oh Westbrook’s coming, oh they got Carmelo.’ Like we’re used to having teams with big-name stars on it. So you’ve got a team with three Hall of Famers. You’d think they’d be in six or seven, and then AD’s not playing. So I doubt they even make the play-in game. But if they do, they definitely have to win and they will face Phoenix in the first round. And if they make it to the eighth spot, they will beat Phoenix.”
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This is certainly a bold prediction by the NBA Hall of Famer. But at the same time, fans haven’t seen the entire superstar trio of the Lakers in action for many games. Keeping that in mind might be the reason why O’Neal still places the Lakers in high regard.
But at the same time, the Suns have been in amazing form throughout the season. So stopping them in their tracks will not be an easy task by any means.
