Just a few months ago, the Lakers were far from discussions of championship contention. Now, there’s legitimate talk about them defeating the top-seeded Thunder. The difference? Luka Doncic.
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Los Angeles has been playing exceptional basketball since the blockbuster trade, and people are taking notice. NBA analyst Shannon Sharpe isn’t worried about the Thunder despite their clear size advantage.
When the Lakers acquired Doncic, concerns arose regarding the team’s defense. They traded away Anthony Davis, who is arguably one of the best defenders in the league, for Doncic, who is on the opposite end of the spectrum.
In a surprising turn of events, the Lakers’ defense has blossomed, but it doesn’t change the lack of size on the roster. Sharpe doubled down on his confidence in the Lakers on ESPN’s First Take.
“Do I believe OKC can beat the Lakers in seven games? I don’t,” Sharpe said. “I’m not overly concerned because I like Luka and I like LeBron. I know what they can give you.”
The Lakers’ only dependable big is Jaxson Hayes. The Thunder, though, have Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, who will make their presences felt. Even so, Sharpe doesn’t think the Thunder could defeat the Lakers.
His faith in Doncic and James remains extremely high. He even brings up Austin Reaves, who will return to LA’s lineup soon as a key contributor.
As long as the Lakers continue to build on their current form, Sharpe doesn’t see any team in the West that he would take against LA in a seven-game series.
Sharpe is spearheading the Lakers championship campaign
There may be no other media figure as vocally supportive of the Lakers as Shannon Sharpe.
“I’m not really sure I’m taking any [other teams] right now,” Sharpe said. “Considering they’re the only team with two bonafide superstars that are in contention.”
Luka and LeBron have looked amazing together in their brief eight-game stint. If they continue this stellar play, they could very well turn Sharpe’s belief into reality as teams gear up for the last stretch of the season.
