The Los Angeles Lakers have shocked everyone during these playoffs. First, they shocked the world by beating the Grizzlies and the Warriors. Now, they’re shocking their fans with how they’re playing against the Nuggets. With the loss last night, LeBron James and his Lakers are down 0-3. Ahead of Heat-Celtics Game 3, Shaquille O’Neal talked about the Lakers on Inside the NBA. With the Nuggets’ lead, a sweep is on the cards tomorrow night. Having quite a bit of experience of being swept, Shaq talked about the Lakers and the Nuggets and gave his thoughts on the series.
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The Big Diesel, despite being one of the most dominant players in league history, didn’t always have the best luck in the postseason. His team was swept six times in his playoff career. Knowing a bit about the same, here’s what he said about the Lakers:
Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t think the Lakers can beat the Nuggets 4 times
The Denver Nuggets ended the season as the top seed in the West. They were dominant in their first two playoff series. Yet, seeing how good the Lakers were, a big chunk of people counted the Nuggets out. Tired of the disrespect, the Nuggets have silenced their doubters in the WCF, taking a commanding 3-0 lead on the series.
Talking about the Western Conference Finals, Shaquille O’Neal shared how he’s the biggest superstar the game has ever seen, and he’s been swept the most. Ernie Johnson then pointed out how the Lakers could make history and complete a comeback. Shaq responded and said,
“You may win one game, but you’re not going to beat the Denver Nuggets, the way they’re playing, four games. Not gon’ happen.”
The Big Fella believes the WCF is over 😅 pic.twitter.com/z0MI0S10Xk
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 22, 2023
The Big Diesel is right. The way the Nuggets have been playing, they look leagues ahead of the Lakers. They are tired of the disrespect from the media, from the community, and frankly, from within the league. As Jamal Murray said, they have five more wins to go, and maybe that’ll change things for the Nuggets.
Do LeBron James and the Lakers still have a chance?
As long as there is another game left, I’d say LeBron James has a chance. He is one of the greatest playoff performers, and well, it’s time for him to step up. In order to get over an 0-3 hump, the Lakers cannot look at the big picture. They need to take things one game at a time.
Right now, their focus should be on Game 4 and how they will win the same. If Darvin Ham can make the required adjustments and the Lakers can come out with intent, maybe LeBron James can add an 0-3 comeback to his books next to the 3-1 comeback.
