The Los Angeles Lakers were hoping to beat the Golden State Warriors and close out the second round on Wednesday night.
Instead, the Warriors had a vintage game, played very well, and earned a necessary win.
The series will now return to Los Angeles on Friday night for Game 6, giving the Lakers another chance to win their fourth game.
Shannon Sharpe is feeling “fairly confident” that they will do just that.
“I’m fairly confident. I’m an eight. I’m not a nine-and-a-half, ten. But I am a solid eight,” Sharpe said about the Lakers’ chances to win their next game and move onto the Western Conference Finals.
.@ShannonSharpe is ‘confident’ Lakers will eliminate Warriors in Game 6: pic.twitter.com/a6dXyZ67lu
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) May 11, 2023
However, Sharpe noted that the Lakers’ fate rests on the hard work and output of both LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
He said that James hasn’t been playing as hard as he could lately and he will need to change that in Game 6.
Davis will also need to continue to dominate defensively and receive a lot of fouls and free throws.
For a moment, it seemed like Davis might not be able to suit up for Game 6.
After suffering a tough hit to the head on Wednesday night, Davis was being evaluated to see if he had a concussion.
Reports say he will be able to play, which is great news for the Lakers because winning without him would be a longshot.
If he and James can look like the incredible duo they have been, the Lakers should put away the defending champions, according to Sharpe.
Friday night might be a huge accomplishment for the Lakers or a huge headache.
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